bill of health

American  

noun

1. a certificate, carried by a ship, attesting to the presence or absence of infectious diseases among the ship's crew and at the port from which it has come.

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idioms

1. clean bill of health, an attestation of fitness or qualification; a commendation.

   The investigating committee gave him a clean bill of health.

bill of health British  

noun

1. a certificate, issued by a port officer, that attests to the health of a ship's company

2. informal

   1. a good report of one's physical condition

   2. a favourable account of a person's or a company's financial position

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Etymology

Origin of bill of health

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Once veterinarians give the 11-pound male fox a clean bill of health, zookeepers said they would be looking for a long-term home for the animal, which is said to be doing well.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Hers came back with a near clear bill of health, minus a mild intestinal issue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 14, 2025

The Royal Navy said despite the team's best efforts, one of the litter died, though the rest "came through some difficult hours to thrive – receiving a clean bill of health from a local vet".

From BBC • May 26, 2025

But whether USC will have a clean bill of health by then remains to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

In consequence, lead was given a clean bill of health.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson