often attributive
1
a
: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
She is the picture of health.
especially
: freedom from physical disease or pain
nursed them back to health
see also mental health
b
: the general condition of the body
in good/poor health
How is your mother's health?
At the wedding reception, we drank to their health.
enjoys good health
see also health care
2
a
: a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well : well-being
… defending the health of the beloved oceans.—Peter Wilkinson
see also bill of health
b
: general condition or state
poor economic health
Investors are worried about the company's health.
3
archaic
: a toast to someone's health or prosperity
proposed the health of the guests
drank to; drunk to; drinking to
: to speak words that honor or express good wishes for (someone or something) and then take a drink : to make a toast to (someone or something)
We drank to their 30th anniversary.
We drank to their health.
Note: I'll drink to that! means that one agrees completely with something that someone has said.
"It will be the best vacation of our lives." "I'll drink to that!"
Cite this Entry
“Health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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