health

noun

ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio)
 also  ˈheltth
often attributive
Synonyms of healthnext
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
b
: the general condition of the body
How is your mother's health?
in poor health
enjoys good health
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
b
: general condition or state
poor economic health
3
: a toast to someone's health or prosperity

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What do these cuts mean for the millions of students who rely on federal financial aid, the schools that depend on federal funding, and the overall health of the U.S. education system? — Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Now the latest injury news on Tuesday has raised concerns about the 15-time Major winner's health. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 State of play: Senate Democrats failed to hotline the December health package last week that included PBM reform measures. — Victoria Knight, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025 Vaccine protects against more than measles Although measles poses severe health risks, doctors are generally more concerned with how the viral infection rubella can affect newborns. — Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for health

Word History

Etymology

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of health was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing health

Rhymes for health

See All Rhymes for health

Browse Nearby Words

health
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Cite this Entry

“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

health

noun
ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio)
1
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

noun
ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio)
often 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
especially : freedom from physical disease and pain
nursed him back to health
compare disease
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

More from Merriam-Webster on health

Nglish: Translation of health for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about health

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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