vital signs

American  

plural noun

1. essential body functions, comprising pulse rate, body temperature, and respiration, used as a measure of health or physical condition.

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vital signs British  

plural noun

1. med indications that a person is still alive. Vital signs include a heartbeat, a pulse that can be felt, breathing, and body temperature

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vital signs Scientific  

1. The pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and usually blood pressure of an individual.

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vital signs Cultural  

1. The pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and rate of respiration of a person. The vital signs are usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of the person's general physical condition.

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Etymology

Origin of vital signs

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vital signs

The infant's vital signs were good, the Jordanian statement said, adding that local authorities had been informed of the rescue.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

So far the labor market’s vital signs look stable.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 19, 2026

Beyond these behavioral improvements, the compound proved non-toxic in both hippocampal cell cultures and the animals themselves, whose vital signs were closely followed throughout the experiments.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 19, 2025

In development are “smart mirrors” that use sensors, displays and software to monitor changes in appearance, mood or vital signs while patients are brushing their teeth and getting ready for the day.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2025

“Mia is still unconscious, but her vital signs are improving,” she tells the assembled relatives, who have abandoned their distractions haphazardly on the chairs.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman