ambulatory

[ am-byuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or capable of walking:

   an ambulatory exploration of the countryside.

2. adapted for walking, as the limbs of many animals.
3. moving about or from place to place; not stationary:

   an ambulatory tribe.

4. Also Medicine/Medical.
   1. not confined to bed; able or strong enough to walk:

      an ambulatory patient.

   2. serving patients who are able to walk:

      an ambulatory care center.

5. Law. not fixed; alterable or revocable:

   ambulatory will.

noun

, plural am·bu·la·to·ries.

1. Also called deambulatory. Architecture.
   1. an aisle surrounding the end of the choir or chancel of a church.
   2. the covered walk of a cloister.

ambulatory

/ ˈæmbjʊlətərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designed for walking
2. changing position; not fixed
3. Alsoambulant able to walk
4. law (esp of a will) capable of being altered or revoked

noun

1. architect
   1. an aisle running around the east end of a church, esp one that passes behind the sanctuary
   2. a place for walking, such as an aisle or a cloister

Other Words From

• ambu·la·tori·ly adverb
• non·ambu·la·tory adjective noun plural nonambulatories

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambulatory¹

1615–25; < Latin ambulātōrius, equivalent to ambulā-, stem of ambulāre ( amble ) + -tōrius -tory ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Nor are advanced birth centers comparable in any way to ambulatory care surgery facilities, which perform scheduled elective procedures, not emergency procedures, said Kara Newbury, chief advocacy officer for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

From New York Times

Inside her office on the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center campus, Paige Velasquez turned to the camera on her computer, greeted the familiar faces signing on, and guided a virtual group through a series of exercises.

From Los Angeles Times

“Most of these ambulatory cases are presenting with usual cough-and-cold symptoms, so it’s important for everyone to test themselves if they develop these types of symptoms.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re prioritizing the highest need, least ambulatory people — people who have doctors appointments they have to get to on a regular basis or who live high up and have children,” Boyd said.

From Seattle Times

"We know that cough can be an indicator of a serious problem. It is the most common illness-related reason for an ambulatory care visit, accounting for nearly 3 million outpatient visits and more than 4 million emergency department visits annually," says Merenstein.

From Science Daily