health

American  

[helth] / hɛlθ /

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.

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health British  

/ 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 resort

   health service

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interjection

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

health Idioms  

1. see clean bill of health.

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Other Word Forms

• healthward adjective
• subhealth noun

Etymology

Origin of health

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

Example Sentences

Smart rings have amassed a cult following, primarily as health trackers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The move is not a surprise to health officials nationwide, as it was reported by CNN late last month.

From Salon

Noem wrote that although certain adverse conditions continue, “there are notable improvements in several areas such as the economy, public health, and crime.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a post on social media Kelly, 66, said her father "was in poor health but his death has still been a shock".

From BBC

Their options would be dictated by the rules governing their homeowners associations; the wraparound insurance policies paid for by their dues; and the financial health of dozens of their neighbors, some of them strangers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• energy
• fitness
• strength
• well-being