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

Inflation is one of the economy’s most important vital signs and one of the subtlest to measure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 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

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

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 19, 2026

The president stayed good-natured despite enduring the painful changes of his wound dressing, the constant monitoring of his vital signs, and the boredom of lying helpless in bed.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow