Hospital

/ˈhɒspɪtəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An institution where the sick or injured are given medical or surgical treatment.
After his car accident, he was taken to the hospital for emergency care.
A place providing specialized medical treatment and care, such as a children's hospital.
The children's hospital focuses on treating pediatric patients.
A large medical facility that typically includes emergency services, surgery, and a variety of specialized departments.
She works as a nurse in a large urban hospital.
An establishment that serves as a center for education and research in the medical field.
Many hospitals are also affiliated with medical schools.
A place providing accommodation for sick people, often in a temporary capacity.
During the flu outbreak, local hospitals became overwhelmed with patients.

Etymology

From Latin 'hospitale', meaning 'guesthouse', from 'hospes' meaning 'guest'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

emergency room
a department of a hospital that provides immediate treatment for acute illnesses and injuries.
hospital gown
a loose-fitting garment worn by patients in a hospital.
hospital stay
the length of time a patient spends in a hospital.
discharge from hospital
the process of a patient leaving a hospital after receiving treatment.

Related Words

nurse
a person trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital.
doctor
a qualified practitioner of medicine; a physician.
patient
a person receiving medical treatment.

Slang Meanings

The 'big house'
After his surgery, he had to spend a week in the big house.
The 'ward'
He was in the ward for a couple of nights due to his condition.