mental health

noun

1
: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, positive feelings about others, and the ability to meet the demands of daily life
also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state
2
: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness
—often used before another noun
mental health professionals
a mental health clinic

Examples of mental health in a Sentence

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.
Just how does changing the clock affect sleep, metabolism and mental health? — Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Without change, prediction markets could supercharge mental health and addiction issues – fueling anxiety, depression, loneliness, financial distress, and even suicide mortalities and ideation. — Amy L. Kennedy, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 These individuals also showed more severe symptoms on average and greater genetic risk for other health problems, including other mental health conditions, as well as inflammatory, metabolic and cardiovascular issues. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026 The law aims to help students focus on their education and improve their mental health. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mental health

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mental health was circa 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mental health.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental%20health. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Medical Definition

mental health

noun
1
: the condition of being sound mentally and emotionally that is characterized by the absence of mental illness and by adequate adjustment especially as reflected in feeling comfortable about oneself, having positive feelings about others, and being able to meet the demands of daily life
also : the general condition of one's mental and emotional state
Finding the flexibility and balance that is required for good mental health is a challenge we all face. —Christy Turlington, Psychology Today
2
: health care dealing with the promotion and improvement of mental health and the treatment of mental illness : mental hygiene
—often used before another noun
mental health professionals
a mental health clinic
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