nursing home

noun

1. a private residential institution equipped to care for persons unable to look after themselves, as the aged or chronically ill.

2. Chiefly British.,  a small private hospital; a small hospital owned by one person or a group of individuals and supported solely by the fees of patients.

nursing home

noun

1. a private hospital or residence staffed and equipped to care for aged or infirm persons

2. a private maternity home

Word History and Origins

Origin of nursing home¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

They’re meant to be heartwarming, I know — “Look at these two, who met in the nursing home when their wheelchairs collided coming out of the bingo game!” — but they just make me sadder.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m often awake at the witching hours, going on late-night death calls, strolling through the silent corridors of nursing homes.

From Salon

Susan Hutton retired last year and now volunteers in Newton Stewart visiting nursing homes and is worried the change will have an impact on the wider community.

From BBC

The family is one of many across the island choosing live in such a way to save money on rent, child care and nursing homes.

From BBC

Many older Americans risk exhausting their savings to cover the rising costs of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in-home care.

From Salon