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

Cardiovascular disease and dementia are major public health challenges that cause a significant burden on both healthcare and society.

From Science Daily

Despite the brief health scare, Rife told The Times his career trajectory had far exceeded his expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market.

From Los Angeles Times

The result is massive health costs, with sugars linked to obesity around the world.

From Salon

They then tracked the health of their children until the age of four.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• energy
• fitness
• strength
• well-being