rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

1

: the action or process of rehabilitating : rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers

2

: a rehabilitated building or dwelling

rehab verb

rehabber

ˈrē-ˌha-bər 

noun

Synonyms of rehab

• rehabilitation
• recovery

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

When his rehab window closed, the Yankees opted to keep him in the minors, optioning him to Triple-A for the first time. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Fellow Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is dealing with groin and neck issues, was not participating but reportedly working out on the rehab field at Bengals practice. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Michael is open about his own stint in rehab, his battle with cancer, and his many, many affairs. — Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

Couldn’t the funds be better spent on rehab centers or recovery groups? — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for rehabilitation or rehabilitate

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rehab

noun

re·​hab ˈrē-ˌhab 

often attributive

: rehabilitation

especially : a program for rehabilitating especially drug or alcohol abusers