public health

noun

: the art and science dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social science

Examples of public health in a Sentence

a disease that poses a serious threat to public health She got her degree in public health. Public health officials warned of an influenza outbreak.
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.
The university partnered with the Texas Targeted Opioid Response — a state Health and Human Services Commission public health program that uses federal funding to tackle the opioid crisis — to provide the life-saving medication. Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Programs in cities like Toronto, Boston, New York, and Vancouver demonstrate the potential for BEPS to drive significant emission reductions, improve energy efficiency, create jobs, and enhance public health. Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 So, too, has increasing distrust of public health authorities among libertarians and conservatives, some of whom also frame raw milk as a way to support local producers. Natalie Daher, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Caron, currently Hennepin County’s public health protection area manager begins the role on Dec. 11. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public health 

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public health was in 1617

Dictionary Entries Near public health

Cite this Entry

“Public health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20health. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

public health

noun
pub·​lic health ˌpəb-lik- How to pronounce public health (audio)
: the art and science dealing with the protection and improvement of community health by organized community effort and including preventive medicine and sanitary and social science

More from Merriam-Webster on public health

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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