hospital
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɒspɪtəl/
US
- /ˈhɑˌspɪtəl/
Description
- medical care center
- place for sick or injured people
- emergency treatment center
- place for surgery and recovery
A hospital is more than just a building; it is a place where people go when they are sick, hurt, or in need of medical care. It is often busy, with doctors, nurses, and other staff working day and night to treat illness, deal with injuries, perform surgery, and help people recover. Some people stay there for several days, while others come only for tests, treatment, or emergency care. The word is also linked in history to ideas of welcome and care, which fits its role as a place that receives people when they are at their weakest.
At its core, a hospital is an institution that provides medical care, surgery, emergency treatment, and often mental health care. It is the main place people turn to when a health problem is serious, sudden, or needs special equipment and trained staff. Hospitals come in many forms: large teaching hospitals where new doctors learn, children's hospitals, military hospitals, and smaller local hospitals that serve their communities. From the joy of a new birth to the strain of a medical crisis, these places are present at some of the most important moments in human life.
The idea also extends beyond a permanent building. A field hospital, for example, is a mobile unit set up to give urgent care during war, disasters, or other emergencies. Historically, many hospitals grew out of religious and charitable traditions, where the sick, the poor, and travelers were given shelter and care. Today, they are complex organizations that use advanced technology and depend on many kinds of workers, from surgeons and pharmacists to cleaners and ambulance teams.
While many people first think of physical healing, a hospital may also include care for mental health, long-term illness, and recovery after treatment. Whether it is a modern trauma center or a temporary tent in a crisis zone, the word "hospital" points to a place of care, safety, and the effort to protect life.
Examples
- 1
Emergency care
She was taken to the hospital after the accident.
- 2
Workplace
My sister works at a children's hospital downtown.
- 3
Distance
The nearest hospital is about twenty miles away.
- 4
Treatment stay
He spent a week in the hospital with pneumonia.
- 5
Visiting hours
Visiting hours at the hospital end at eight.
- 6
Discharge
He was discharged from the hospital on Monday morning.
- 7
British admission
She was admitted to hospital late on Friday night.
Grammar
to hospital
British English, as a patient
- 8
British treatment
He's still in hospital, but the doctors expect him to go home tomorrow.
Grammar
in hospital
British English, receiving treatment there
- 9
City planning
The city plans to build two new hospitals in the northern suburbs.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hospitalnoun
Forms
- hospitalspluralnoun