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.
But rates of cardiac disease have fallen in recent years, as the medical community pivots to managing cholesterol levels, hypertension and diabetes—all risk factors for heart disease. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Chronic disease can lead to loss of weight and muscle, and unintentional weight loss can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Women receive help to escape abusers and access medical care, psychological support, jobs and housing. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Complications with medical clearance and a promise made to his fallen comrade force him to remain in the Ukrainian capital despite his desire to get back to the frontline. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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