medical

adjective

med·​i·​cal ˈme-di-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine
the medical profession
a medical journal
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical problem
an important advance in medical science
medically
ˈme-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
adverb

Examples of medical in a Sentence

He has a dangerous medical condition. The report was published in a leading medical journal. Her recovery was a medical miracle. He opened his own medical practice. an important advance in medical science
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The initiative could yield returns in the form of new prescription drugs or medical breakthroughs, which would help the state recoup its investment. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 Exertional heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and is the third leading cause of death in athletes. — Dorany Pineda, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 Anyone potentially exposed to rabies should seek medical care immediately, health experts say. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The challenge is that planning remains heavily focused on the transfer of assets after death, while many of the most consequential financial, medical and family decisions occur before it. — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for medical

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French médical, from Late Latin medicalis, from Latin medicus physician, from mederi to remedy, heal; akin to Avestan vī-mad- healer, Greek medesthai to be mindful of — more at mete

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of medical was in 1646

Phrases Containing medical

Rhymes for medical

See All Rhymes for medical

Browse Nearby Words

Medicaid
medical
medical center
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Medical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

medical

adjective
med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with the science or practice of medicine
a medical education
2
: requiring, providing, or used in medical treatment
medical emergencies
a medical device
medically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

medical

1 of 2 adjective
med·​i·​cal ˈmed-i-kəl How to pronounce medical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with physicians or the practice of medicine often as distinguished from surgery
2
: requiring or devoted to medical treatment
a medical emergency
medically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce medical (audio)
adverb

medical

2 of 2 noun
: a medical examination

More from Merriam-Webster on medical

Nglish: Translation of medical for Spanish Speakers

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