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 Word Forms

• minihospital noun
• multihospital adjective
• posthospital 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

The political party was most split across racial lines when it came to immigration enforcement being expanded into hospitals and schools.

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The bus had 46 passengers, said VC Sajjanar in a news conference, adding that one man who survived the accident had been admitted to an intensive care unit in a local hospital.

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She has returned quickly to her tent after each hospital visit, and has told media that she is still drinking water and fluids.

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Boyd was transported to a local hospital, according to the New York Police Department.

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The NIA put the death toll at 10, though hospital officials told AFP that at least 12 people had been killed.

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Related Words

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