health

[ helth ]

noun

1. the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor:

   good health;

   poor health.

2. soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment:

   to have one's health;

   to lose one's health.

   Synonyms: stamina, fitness, strength, vitality, vigor

3. a polite or complimentary wish for a person's health, happiness, etc., especially as a toast:

   We drank a health to our guest of honor.

4. vigor; vitality:

   economic health.

health

/ hɛlθ /

noun

1. the state of being bodily and mentally vigorous and free from disease
2. the general condition of body and mind

   in poor health

3. the condition of any unit, society, etc

   the economic health of a nation

4. a toast to a person, wishing him or her good health, happiness, etc
5. modifier of or relating to food or other goods reputed to be beneficial to the health

   health food

   a health store

6. modifier of or relating to health, esp to the administration of health

   a health committee

   health service

   health resort

interjection

1. an exclamation wishing someone good health as part of a toast (in the phrases your health, good health, etc)

Other Words From

• healthward adjective adverb
• sub·health noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of health¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English helthe, Old English hǣlth; hale ¹, whole, -th ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of health¹

Old English hǣlth; related to hāl hale ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see clean bill of health .

Example Sentences

For example, previously published Ohio State research links youth sports participation with better mental health in adulthood.

From Science Daily

Researchers from The Ohio State University and Ithaca College found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that sports build character and improved one's health, while 84% agreed playing sports makes one popular in school and 85% said it makes one more well-known in the community.

From Science Daily

The results showed that the majority of Americans thought sports helped people's character, health, grades, popularity in school and recognition in the community.

From Science Daily

In April, a New York judge decided that Majors would not serve jail time and ordered the actor to complete a 52-week in-person batterer’s intervention program and continue with his mental health therapy.

From Los Angeles Times

During her 2010 and 2012 Senate campaigns in Connecticut, Ms. McMahon faced scrutiny over the billion-dollar operation she led, accused of prioritizing massive profits over the health and safety of wrestlers.

From Salon

Related Words

• energy
• fitness
• strength
• well-being