gesundheit

interjection

ge·​sund·​heit gə-ˈzu̇nt-ˌhīt 

—used to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed

Did you know?

When English speakers hear "achoo," they usually respond with either "gesundheit" or "God bless you." Gesundheit was borrowed in the early 20th century from German, where it literally means "health"; it was formed from gesund ("healthy") and -heit ("-hood"). Wishing a person good health when they sneeze was historically believed to forestall the illness that a sneeze often portends. "God bless you" had a similar purpose, albeit with more divine weight to the well-wishing. Gesundheit at one time also served as a toast when drinking (much like its English counterpart, "to your health"), but this use is now largely obsolete.

Word History

Etymology

German, literally, health, from gesund healthy (from Old High German gisunt) + -heit -hood — more at sound entry 3

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

gesundheit

interjection

ge·​sund·​heit gə-ˈzu̇nt-ˌhīt 

—used to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed

Etymology

German Gesundheit, literally, "health"