health

noun, often attributive
\ ˈhelth also ˈheltth How to pronounce health (audio) \

Definition of health

1a : 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
2a : 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

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Yet both species have since been nursed back to health. The Economist, "An ancient beast returns to Transylvania," 24 Aug. 2019 Humble officials predicted another year of good financial health as council members and department heads looked over the proposal during the budget workshop for fiscal year 2020 on Tuesday at city hall. Kaila Contreras, Houston Chronicle, "Humble’s proposed budget includes property tax increase, Rankin Road extension," 21 Aug. 2019 Even people who don't have much invested in stocks sometimes see the market as an indication of the nation's economic health. Chris Isidore, CNN, "Is a recession coming? Here's how to tell," 21 Aug. 2019 The implications for human health are potentially huge. Matt Simon, WIRED, "You’ve Been Drinking Microplastics, But Don’t Worry—Yet," 21 Aug. 2019 According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the fires have led to a clear spike in carbon monoxide emissions as well as planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions, posing a threat to human health and aggravating global warming. oregonlive.com, "Amazon rainforest is ablaze, turning day into night in Sao Paulo," 21 Aug. 2019 Critics fear that the rule could be used to deny medical care entirely to LGBTQ patients, for anything from a sore throat to reproductive health. Emily Tillett, CBS News, "Transgender issues: Where the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates stand," 21 Aug. 2019 Respondents also widely supported investments in social and emotional health and STEM labs. Rachel K. Hindery, chicagotribune.com, "Elmwood Park schools survey taxpayer sentiment, may use results to craft a referendum," 20 Aug. 2019 But Lock’s injury could create a path for Hogan to be on the Week 1 roster and until Lock returns to full health. Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "Broncos QB Drew Lock suffers sprained right thumb, expected to miss start of regular season, source says," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'health.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of health

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

History and Etymology for health

Middle English helthe, from Old English hǣlth, from hāl

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More Definitions for health

health

noun

English Language Learners Definition of health

: the condition of being well or free from disease
: the overall condition of someone's body or mind
: the condition or state of something

health

noun
\ ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio) \

Kids Definition of health

1 : the condition of being free from illness or disease
2 : the overall condition of the body He is in good health.

health

noun, often attributive
\ ˈhelth How to pronounce health (audio) \

Medical Definition of health

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

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