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 resort

   health service

interjection

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

Other Word Forms

• healthward adjective
• subhealth 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

However, some mental health advocates say it may cut children off from connections with peers, while others say it could push youngsters to even-less-regulated corners of the internet.

Read more on BBC

It also allowed for distributions tied to the daughter’s education, health and other expenses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By replenishing these tiny energy producers, the method can restore energy output to previous levels and greatly improve the overall health of the cells.

Read more on Science Daily

Scientists from Columbia University, the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and New York University led the analysis, which addresses a widespread health concern.

Read more on Science Daily

It takes into account a range of factors including personal income, housing and health.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• energy 
• fitness 
• strength 
• well-being