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

DNA tests would be required to confirm that Naya had been killed, as well as another girl her age brought to the same hospital, because their injuries prevented straightforward identification.

From BBC

The third was taken to an animal hospital.

From Los Angeles Times

Four days after checking herself into the hospital, Seneng died on Nov. 22, according to her friend and county health officials.

From Los Angeles Times

The other woman was taken to hospital where she is undergoing treatment.

From BBC

Dozens of reporters have been beaten or pepper sprayed and some have needed hospital treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

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