NICU

American  

[en-ahy-see-yoo, nik-yoo] / ˈɛnˈaɪˈsiˈyu, ˈnɪkˌyu /

noun

1. neonatal intensive care unit: a specialized center in a hospital where intensive care is provided for newborn infants who are premature or have health problems.

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NICU British  

abbreviation

1. neonatal intensive care unit

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Etymology

Origin of NICU

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

He was back here as a chubby, chatty toddler, not the helpless baby in the NICU.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

At St. David, Mr. Harris has helped relieve the anxiety of parents who cannot be present around the clock with their babies in the NICU.

From Washington Times • Nov. 21, 2023

So, as part of the pilot study in the NICU, the researchers used the devices to monitor these sounds.

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2023

The cost of her care, which included more than two months in the NICU, would come out of the taxpayer-funded state Medicaid program.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2023

Leaning against the brick wall, I catch my breath before pulling off my jacket and scarf, opening the door, and strolling to my room, as if I’ve just been off at the NICU.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott