often attributive
1
a
: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
She is the picture of health.
especially
: freedom from physical disease or pain
nursed them back to health
see also mental health
b
: the general condition of the body
in good/poor health
How is your mother's health?
At the wedding reception, we drank to their health.
enjoys good health
see also health care
2
a
: a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being
… defending the health of the beloved oceans.—
Peter Wilkinson
see also bill of health
Peter Wilkinson
b
: general condition or state
poor economic health
Investors are worried about the company's health.
3
archaic
: a toast to someone's health or prosperity
proposed the health of the guests
Examples of health in a Sentence
We nursed him back to health.
He's in good health these days.
He has continued to enjoy good health in his old age.
Smoking is bad for your health.
He is concerned about his sister's mental health.
We must protect the health of our oceans.
The economy is in a period of robust financial health.
Investors are worried about the company's health.
Recent Examples on the Web
While 10,000 steps has long been promoted as a daily goal, studies have shown that many health benefits—especially for older adults—can occur at lower step counts.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2026
Luddington has also had to navigate a recent health diagnosis that has impacted her daily life.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
The error, which the administration admitted first to The Associated Press, prompted health analysts to question how many of the Republican administration's sweeping anti-fraud efforts around the country were based on faulty findings.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026
Lutz is a freelance writer focusing on international affairs, travel, climate change, development, and health.
—Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for health
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Md Published, Verywell Health, 11 Apr. 2026
Luddington has also had to navigate a recent health diagnosis that has impacted her daily life.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
The error, which the administration admitted first to The Associated Press, prompted health analysts to question how many of the Republican administration's sweeping anti-fraud efforts around the country were based on faulty findings.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026
Lutz is a freelance writer focusing on international affairs, travel, climate change, development, and health.
—Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for health
Cite this Entry
“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
health
noun1
a
: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
especially
: freedom from disease
b
: the overall condition of the body
in poor health
2
: flourishing condition
3
: a toast to someone's health or success
drink a health
Etymology
Old English hǣlth "health," from hāl "healthy" — related to hale entry 1
Medical Definition
health
nounoften attributive
1
: the condition of an organism or one of its parts in which it performs its vital functions normally or properly : the state of being sound in body or mind
dental health
mental health
2
: the condition of an organism with respect to the performance of its vital functions especially as evaluated subjectively or nonprofessionally
how is your health today
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
