What does clinic mean?
A clinic is primarily an institution or organised session where medical care, advice, or treatment is given to outpatients — people who are not admitted overnight as hospital inpatients. Clinics range from small GP practices and walk-in centres to specialised units such as dental, fertility, or antenatal clinics, and they are usually smaller and less intensive than hospitals. Beyond medicine, the word has extended into education and sport: a 'clinic' may be a workshop or coaching session in which an expert teaches or critiques a skill, and informally, saying someone 'ran a clinic' means they performed so skilfully that their display became a lesson for everyone watching. The word carries neutral, professional connotations and is common in both British and American English, though British usage often refers to scheduled hospital sessions rather than standalone buildings. Its Greek root, kline (bed), reflects its origins in bedside medical teaching.
An establishment or session where outpatient medical treatment, advice, or healthcare services are provided.
"He volunteers once a week at a community health clinic."
In British English, often refers to a specific scheduled session at a hospital rather than a separate building.
A class, seminar, or instructional session focused on teaching or refining a particular skill, often involving expert critique.
"The tennis pro runs a serving clinic every summer."
Standard plural form; used when referring to multiple facilities or sessions.
"Several new clinics have opened across the city this year."
The word 'clinic' comes from the Greek 'kline', meaning bed — because in ancient Greece, patients were literally treated while lying on one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clinic
Clinic derives ultimately from the Greek 'klinikos', meaning 'of a bed', from 'kline' (bed, couch), reflecting the ancient practice of treating and teaching about patients at the bedside. The word entered English via Latin 'clinicus' and French, appearing in English around the early 17th century in reference to bedside medical instruction. Related words sharing this root include 'clinical' and 'clinician'.
Related word forms
How clinic is actually used
Register is neutral; the word appears equally in formal medical contexts and casual speech. In British English, 'clinic' can also refer to a specific scheduled session at a hospital (e.g. 'the antenatal clinic'), while American English more often uses it for standalone facilities. The figurative sporting sense ('ran a clinic') is informal and chiefly North American.
Easily confused with clinic
A clique is a small exclusive group of people, whereas a clinic is a medical facility or teaching session.