What does hospital mean?
A hospital is an institution where people receive medical care, particularly when they need to stay overnight for diagnosis, treatment, or surgery. The word is also used collectively for the institution or for treatment and accommodation there: British speakers commonly say that someone is "in hospital," while American speakers often say "in the hospital." Although usually associated with illness and medical emergencies, a hospital may also provide emergency care, maternity services, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation, and other forms of healthcare. The word has an older, now largely obsolete sense referring to lodging or shelter for guests. Its history is closely connected with hospitality: both words descend from Latin terms associated with a guest or host. Today, "hospital" is familiar and neutral, but it can carry a serious or emotionally difficult connotation when used in discussions of illness, injury, or death.
An institution in which patients receive medical care and treatment, especially as inpatients.
"The local hospital provides emergency and maternity services."
In British English, "in hospital" is common; in American English, "in the hospital" is more usual.
An archaic or extended sense for a place of lodging or shelter for guests or travellers.
"The old hospice served as a hospital for pilgrims arriving in the city."
This sense is now rare and is chiefly encountered in historical or literary contexts.
To place a person in a hospital for treatment or care.
"The injured climber was hospitalized overnight for observation."
This verb is uncommon in contemporary English and is chiefly formal or dated.
The regular plural is used for both institutions and the extended sense of a place of lodging.
"Several hospitals across the region are expanding their emergency departments."
Hospitality and hospital share a Latin root associated with guests, revealing how caring for a guest developed into caring for a patient.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hospital come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French hospital, from the Latin neuter adjective hospitale, meaning "pertaining to a guest," which was derived from hospes, meaning "guest" or "host." Its earliest sense referred to accommodation for guests or people on a journey, particularly those who were poor, sick, or otherwise in need of shelter. Over time, the word came to designate institutions that provided nursing care and medical treatment to the sick, while also giving rise to related words such as hospitality, hospitable, and hospice.
Related word forms
How hospital is actually used
The usual British pronunciation is /ˈhɒspɪtəl/, while the usual US pronunciation is /ˈhɑːspɪtəl/. British English commonly says "in hospital," whereas American English more often says "in the hospital." The verb is uncommon in modern general use and sounds formal or dated.
Easily confused with hospital
A hospital provides medical care, whereas a hostel provides inexpensive accommodation, usually for travellers or students.
A hospital treats and cares for people with a wide range of medical needs, while a hospice specializes in palliative care for people approaching the end of life.