candy striper

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a person, often a teenager, who works as a volunteer in a hospital.

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Etymology

Origin of candy striper

First recorded in 1960–65; so called from the red and white striped uniform often worn

Example Sentences

He piloted the Samaritans’ battered SUV while Kocourek, who was a hospital candy striper when she was a girl, pointed out rock formations and changes to the landscape.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2024

“I inherited a paper route, I sold magazines, had lemonade stands, I was a candy striper and into fund-raising,” she told The New York Times in 2011.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2020

She was working at a department store and as a hospital candy striper, bringing magazines to children in the wards and holding the babies.

From Washington Times • Sep. 21, 2014

It has long been Tanner’s hobby, dating from her teenage years as a candy striper in her hometown hospital.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2011

“I used to be a candy striper in a pulmonary ward. That cough does not sound good.”

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon