Hospital
/ˈhɒspɪtəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn institution for medical care and treatment.
/ˈhɒspɪtəl/
An institution providing medical and surgical care for sick or injured people.
The accident victim was rushed to the hospital.
💡 Simply: A hospital is like a big house where doctors and nurses help people who are sick or hurt get better. It's a place full of beds, medicine, and people who want to help you feel better. Imagine you have a bad tummy ache and you need help – the hospital is the place to go!
👶 For kids: A hospital is a place where doctors and nurses help people who are sick or hurt.
More Examples
The hospital has state-of-the-art equipment.
She works as a nurse at the local hospital.
How It's Used
"She was admitted to the hospital for observation."
"The hospital staff worked tirelessly to help the patients."
Figuratively, a place offering aid or refuge.
/ˈhɒspɪtəl/
A building with a specialized purpose or function.
The library became a hospital for the lost.
💡 Simply: Sometimes 'hospital' can mean any place that is a safe and caring space, like a sanctuary.
👶 For kids: Sometimes people use 'hospital' to mean a safe place.
How It's Used
"The city became a hospital for the wounded during the siege."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
hospital bed
A bed in a hospital, used for patients.
"She spent three days in a hospital bed after the surgery."
hospital food
Food served to patients in a hospital.
"The patient complained about the hospital food."
From Medieval Latin *hospitale*, meaning "a place of hospitality," derived from *hospes* meaning "guest, host."
The term 'hospital' has been used since the 13th century to describe institutions providing care for the sick and the poor.
Memory tip
Think of a place where you go to get help when you're sick. A HOSPITAL provides care.
Word Origin
"a place of hospitality"