hospice
Americannoun
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a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers, etc., especially one kept by a religious order.
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Medicine/Medical.
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a healthcare facility for the terminally ill that emphasizes pain control and emotional support for the patient and family, typically refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.
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a similar program of care and support for the terminally ill at home or in a nursing home.
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noun
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a nursing home that specializes in caring for the terminally ill
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Also called: hospitium. archaic a place of shelter for travellers, esp one kept by a monastic order
Etymology
Origin of hospice
First recorded in 1810–20; from French, from Latin hospitium “hospitable reception, entertainment”; hospitium
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“When you go to hospice you’re going there to die,” Essayli said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
In the time since the movie premiered last year, Peet saw both her parents go through hospice care before dying and had her own battle with breast cancer.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
The hospice needs to raise £9m every year for a range of projects, including the ongoing refurbishment to create a new in-patient ward and Living Well area.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
Her family said she died peacefully at a hospice surrounded by "cherished friends", but no cause of death was given.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
He was placed in a local hospice program.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
