health

noun

ˈhelth 

 also  ˈheltth

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

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

• fitness
• healthiness
• heartiness
• robustness
• sap
• soundness
• verdure
• wellness
• wholeness
• wholesomeness

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

Advertisement After missing the first four months of this year recovering from shoulder surgery, Kershaw will once again face health questions entering 2025. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

So, matching the correct strain with your health needs is essential. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024

In the Walmart parking lot, Damaris McDee, 67, a volunteer with the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, joined other canvassers approaching people near a crawfish restaurant and a health center. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

While the fetus is perceived as a human being, underlines the director, children born around that time haven’t fully developed vital organs, which puts them at high risk, also of future health problems. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing health

• bill of health
• drank to their health
• give (someone or something) a clean bill of health
• health care
• health club
• health farm
• health food
• health insurance
• health maintenance organization
• health spa
• health span
• in rude health
• mental health
• mental health day
• public health
• the picture of health

Kids Definition

health

noun

ˈhelth 

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 

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