Objective  To establish a general definition of public health through screening classic connotations of public health and embracing core concepts of public health for providing theoretical guidance to public health practice in China.

  Methods  We first identified classical connotations to be followed and core concepts to be developed through panel discussion and proposed the definition of public health and its connotation and extension based on common methodology and procedures in logic studies. Then, six rounds of discussion meeting and three rounds of Delphi consultation were performed among experts to modify and improve the proposed definition of public health. Subsequently, questionnaire surveys were conducted among 3 291 administrators in governmental health departments and personnel in public health facilities in 7 provinces and 136 researchers in 10 universities across China to collect their opinions on validation and modification for the proposed definition of public health.

  Results  A general definition for public health was proposed based on the study: public health refers to public services and facilities for protection of population health and health equity and public health practice should be dominated by the government and with the contributions of all society. The proposed definition of public health involves 8 classic connotations retained and 4 core concepts supplemented. Public health practices include the prevention and control of diseases and disabilities, the reduction and elimination of health risks, the improvement and promotion of physical and mental health and social adaptability, the enhancement of health and life quality in populations, and the maintainment of social stability and development. The proposed macro definition of public health was approved by 98.7% of the respondents surveyed and 97.6% – 99.2% of the respondents from various provinces and universities reported the approval for the connotation and extension of the public health definition.

  Conclusion  The redefinition of public health is of great significance for guiding contemporary practice of public health. The study proposes the general definition of public health characterized by the assignment of government responsibility and civic obligation and the emphasis on health equity and social coordination.