National Health Service

American  

[nash-uh-nl helth sur-vis, nash-nuhl] / ˈnæʃ ə nl ˈhɛlθ ˌsɜr vɪs, ˈnæʃ nəl /

noun

1. Great Britain’s publicly funded network of healthcare systems: often used in the United Kingdom as an umbrella term that also includes the Health and Social Care of Northern Ireland. NHS

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National Health Service British  

noun

1. Abbreviation: NHS.  (in Britain) the system of national medical services since 1948, financed mainly by taxation

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Etymology

Origin of National Health Service

First recorded in 1880–85 as a recommendation; established in 1946

Example Sentences

The National Health Service is the embodiment of all that is best about Britain and our values.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

To avoid this outcome, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service discourages anyone over 10 years of age from consuming more than 30 grams of added sugars a day.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

Almost two-thirds of the people who were initially sceptical went on to receive at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, according to data from the National Health Service cited in the study.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Researchers warn that people who cannot afford private care may struggle to receive effective treatment through the National Health Service.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

I suppose Hollywood isn’t really talking about the kind of therapist you get referred to on the National Health Service.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins