hospital

[ hos-pi-tl ]

noun

1. an institution in which sick or injured people are given medical or surgical treatment.
2. a similar establishment for the care of animals.
3. a repair shop for specific portable objects: doll hospital.

   violin hospital;

   doll hospital.

4. British. an institution supported by charity or taxes for people in need of care, as a children's home or nursing home.

hospital

/ ˈhɒspɪtəl /

noun

1. an institution for the medical, surgical, obstetric, or psychiatric care and treatment of patients
2. modifier having the function of a hospital

   a hospital ship

3. a repair shop for something specified

   a dolls' hospital

4. archaic.
   a charitable home, hospice, or school

Other Words From

• mini·hospi·tal noun
• multi·hospi·tal adjective
• post·hospi·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospital¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (h)ospital, “lodging for pilgrims and travelers, hostel,” Old French (h)ospital, from Medieval Latin hospitāle “guesthouse, inn,” noun use of neuter of Latin hospitālis “hospitable,” equivalent to hospit- stem of hospes “guest, visitor, host” + -ālis -al ¹( def ); hospitium

Word History and Origins

Origin of hospital¹

C13: from Medieval Latin hospitāle hospice, from Latin hospitālis relating to a guest, from hospes, hospit- guest, host ¹

Example Sentences

"One of the local sources was kind enough to try and look for them in local hospitals," Pamela adds.

From BBC

Unlike other inquiry witnesses such as the hospital consultants, these bosses were not asked to give evidence at the criminal trials - and have resisted media interviews - so they are revealing new information.

From BBC

The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and the road remained closed on Saturday morning.

From BBC

The suspect was taken to a local hospital before being booked and treated for a “superficial wound,” Klumpp said.

From Los Angeles Times

More coordination between hospitals, community NHS teams, care homes and hospices is needed, and training for non-palliative care specialists is also an issue, she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• clinic
• emergency room
• hospice
• institution
• nursing home
• ward