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.

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

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.

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.

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.