heath

¹

[heeth]

noun

1. a tract of open and uncultivated land; wasteland overgrown with shrubs.

2. any of various low-growing evergreen shrubs common on such land, as the common heather, Calluna vulgaris.

3. any plant of the genus Erica, or of the family Ericaceae.

Heath

²

[heeth]

noun

1. Sir Edward (Richard George), 1916–2005, British statesman: prime minister 1970–74.

heath

¹

/ hiːθ /

noun

1. a large open area, usually with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation, esp heather

2. Also called: heather. any low-growing evergreen ericaceous shrub of the Old World genus Erica and related genera, having small bell-shaped typically pink or purple flowers

3. any of several nonericaceous heathlike plants, such as sea heath

4. any of various heathlike plants of the genus Epacris : family Epacridaceae

5. any of various small brown satyrid butterflies of the genus Coenonympha, with coppery-brown wings, esp the large heath ( C. tullia )

Heath

²

/ hiːθ /

noun

1. Sir Edward ( Richard George ). 1916–2005, British statesman; leader of the Conservative Party (1965–75); prime minister (1970–74)

Other Word Forms

• heathy adjective
• heathlike adjective
• heathless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heath¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English hǣth; cognate with German Heide, Old Norse heithr, Gothic haithi; akin to Welsh coed trees, wood

Word History and Origins

Origin of heath¹

Old English hǣth; related to Old Norse heithr field, Old High German heida heather

Example Sentences

A Sussex health trust is reminding students of its texting-based mental heath support scheme ahead of exam results day.

From BBC

Heat health alerts are issued to warn health providers of the risk of a heat causing adverse impacts to the heath and wellbeing of the population.

From BBC

In pushing the “sickest generation” trope, the report glides over the heath threats faced by children — and adults — before vaccines were available for specific diseases.

From Los Angeles Times

These early season burns - predominantly grass, heath and shrub fires - have created great strain on fire services, but their ecological impacts can be complicated.

From BBC

The mountain range has more than 50% of Northern Ireland's upland heath habitat, according to Mr Fisher.

From BBC

Related Words

• expanse 
• field 
• grassland 
• meadow 
• plateau 
• prairie 
• steppe