intensive care unit

American  

noun

1. the specialized center in a hospital where intensive care is provided. ICU

---

Etymology

Origin of intensive care unit

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Dr Vincenzo Cuzzone, head of the intensive care unit at Cardarelli hospital in nearby Campobasso, told Italian media that liver failure occurred first and was followed by multi-organ failure "at truly unparalleled speed".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for a transparent investigation into the killing of Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse working at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Salehuddin Ahmed, who holds the finance portfolio in the interim government, said the economy had shifted from the "intensive care unit to the high dependency unit".

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Pretti, who worked in the VA’s intensive care unit, had been carrying a legally permitted 9mm handgun when he was killed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

I could be half-dead in an intensive care unit and that would be the first question Lou Ann asked.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko