convalescent

American  

[kon-vuh-les-uhnt] / ˌkɒn vəˈlɛs ənt /

adjective

1. convalescing.

2. of or relating to convalescence or convalescing persons.

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noun

1. a person who is convalescing.

Other Word Forms

• convalescently adverb
• postconvalescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of convalescent

1650–60; < Latin convalēscent- (stem of convalēscēns ), present participle of convalēscere to convalesce; -ent

Example Sentences

Born in Helsinki, Schjerfbeck permanently injured her hip in a childhood fall and apparently began to draw as a convalescent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Perhaps the most pitiful image was of elderly residents being evacuated from a convalescent home in the city of Altadena, where the Eaton fire currently spans more than 2,000 acres.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

She bounced around, from LA’s notorious Skid Row to various convalescent homes while her daughter lived at a shelter.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Chandler died June 10 at a Corona convalescent home where she lived for several years, according to her friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2023

I had to lunch with Mrs. Van Hopper in her room, because the nurse was going out, and afterwards she would make me play bezique with all the tireless energy of the convalescent.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier