wellness

American  

[wel-nis] / ˈwɛl nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.

2. an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.

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wellness British  

/ ˈwɛlnəs /

noun

1. the state of being in good physical and mental health

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Etymology

Origin of wellness

First recorded in 1650–60, for an earlier sense; introduced in 1957 by U.S. biostatistician Halbert L. Dunn, M.D. (1896–1975), for the current senses; well ¹ (in the sense “in good health”) + -ness

Compare meaning

How does wellness compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• wellness vs. well-being

Example Sentences

He posts a mix of lifestyle, wellness and family content.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

He also anticipates Apple will lean more into health and wellness tools as AI possibly helps people live longer.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

At their home, a large one-story villa off a dirt road leading to the town’s main street, Scott introduces me to a lifestyle designed to promote wellness.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Just two days earlier, I’d been on the slopes in Vermont fancying myself a paragon of wellness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Nathan remembered what Devin had said: that the ceremony was only part of Uncle Jet’s path to wellness.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young