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

   health resort

   health service

   a health committee

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

As for the actual health benefits of rice cakes, like so many other foods marketed as “better for you,” they’re really just that — marketing.

From Eater

Citing audiences’ health and safety as a top priority, The Kennedy Center is moving most planned programming to spring of 2021 and beyond.

From Washington Blade

Which I know can be scary for civilians — the idea that their police or health department needs military backup.

From ProPublica

Pressed on these claims Tuesday, the president falsely said he had already released a health plan.

From Washington Post

Among all registered voters, Biden is narrowly seen as more trusted on health care, by seven percentage points.

From Washington Post

Not to be left behind, progressives in neighboring Wisconsin clamored to join the cutting edge of public health.

From The Daily Beast

We indulge in expensive cold-pressed juices and SoulCycle classes, justifying these purchases as investments in our health.

From The Daily Beast

His life as a man is built around health insurance and tax services.

From The Daily Beast

Each individual race involves an unusual collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and public-health entities.

From The Daily Beast

Children in households with more equitable participation of men show better health and development.

From The Daily Beast

But men, through neglecting the rules of health, pass quickly to old age, and die before reaching that term.

From Project Gutenberg

But I suppose, as he is my nearest relative, it is but natural he should be anxious about my health.

From Project Gutenberg

This Captain Kirton was really the best of the Kirton bunch: a quiet, unassuming young man, somewhat delicate in health.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the end his health gave way, and the Emperor himself wrote to Prince Eugne telling him to send the old warrior home.

From Project Gutenberg

Why use dangerous cosmetics when Jones' soap retains youth and health for the complexion, and fosters the development of beauty?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• energy
• fitness
• strength
• well-being