- pronunciation:
- ha
spih
tl
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: |
noun |
definition: |
a place where sick or hurt people go to find care or help.
Mr. Walker had to go to the hospital for an operation.
- similar words:
- clinic, institution
|
|
The words
hospital and
hospitality both come from a Latin word for "guest-house." During the Middle Ages in England, houses of shelter for the poor and needy were called "hospitals." "Hospital" did not mean "a place for sick people" until 1549.