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

Mr. Streeting can be reasonable on some issues, especially the need for reforms to the National Health Service that might allow more private-sector involvement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service.

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

‘I read some interesting figures yesterday. If everyone in Britain gave up smoking, the National Health Service would save—’ ‘Ted!’

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd