able-bodied

adjective

able-bod·​ied ˌā-bəl-ˈbä-dēd How to pronounce able-bodied (audio)
: having a sound strong body

Examples of able-bodied in a Sentence

every able-bodied young man in the village had been sent off to fight in the war
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.
In part because of these factors, users are disproportionately younger, wealthier, able-bodied, white and male. Kaja Šeruga, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 Currently, there are six U.S. states and territories that have waivers in place statewide modifying the able-bodied person work requirements, and a further 25 that have waivers that apply to certain areas within a state or territory. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Today, millions of able-bodied adults receive benefits without working a day. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 One of the major changes to SNAP would require able-bodied beneficiaries who are not currently working to seek employment. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for able-bodied

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of able-bodied was in 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Able-bodied.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/able-bodied. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

able-bodied

adjective
able-bod·​ied
ˌā-bəl-ˈbäd-ēd
: having a healthy strong body : physically fit

More from Merriam-Webster on able-bodied

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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