gesundheit

[ guh-zoont-hahyt ]

interjection

1. (used to wish good health, especially to a person who has just sneezed.)

gesundheit

/ ɡəˈzʊnthait /

sentence substitute

1. an expression used to wish good health to someone who has just sneezed

Gesundheit

1. German for “good health.” Like the English phrase “Bless you,” it is conventionally said to someone who has just sneezed. This reflects the superstition that a sneeze can cause the soul to fly out of the body; saying the phrase prevents this from happening.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesundheit¹

1905–10, Americanism; < German: literally, health, equivalent to gesund healthy ( Old High German gisunt; sound ² ) + -heit -hood

Word History and Origins

Origin of gesundheit¹

from gesund healthy + -heit -hood ; see sound ²

Example Sentences

At the same interview, when the doctor sneezed, she said "Gesundheit."

From Project Gutenberg

I involuntarily cried "Prosit und Gesundheit" as we whizzed through them.

From Project Gutenberg