rehab

noun

re·hab ˈrē-ˌhab

Synonyms of rehab

often attributive

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər

noun

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

The rehab for his leg injury is going well. the accident victim had to undergo months of rehab before she could walk again

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 Dodgers’ rotation is progressing toward health, with Blake Snell (arthroscopic elbow surgery) set to make one more minor-league rehab start before being activated and Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) on the cusp of starting a rehab assignment. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Pivetta, who departed his fourth start this season, has been far less willing to discuss his rehab process. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 Both pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are scheduled to make rehab starts on Tuesday – Snell with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Glasnow with Class-A Ontario. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026 Gracia is slated to begin swinging and start a throwing program four to six months into the rehab process, the sources said. — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rehab

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of rehab was in 1941

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rehab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rehab. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·hab ˈrē-ˌhab

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

rehab

noun

Synonyms of rehab

Examples of rehab in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

mitigate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes