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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vital signs

That concern can leave clues in the electronic health record—for example, nurses may check vital signs more frequently.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

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

The Jordanian civil defence said Klieber had been given first aid treatment, taken to a hospital and his vital signs were good.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Clinicians wearing personal protective equipment check people’s temperatures and vital signs throughout the day.

From MarketWatch ● May 12, 2026

From then on, my computer monitored my vital signs and kept track of exactly how many calories I burned during the course of each day.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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