ward
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for ward, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A section of a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A section of a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for.
“She was moved to the maternity ward after the birth.”
How to use ward
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hospital ward
ward off
ward of the court
city ward
Etymology
From Old English weard, meaning "guard" or "watchman," from a Germanic root related to heeding and defending — the same root that eventually gives us "guard" and "warden."
Full origin of ward →Frequently asked questions
What does “ward” mean?
The word “ward” means a section of a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for. In plain terms, a protected section (of a hospital or city), a person under legal guardianship, or (as a verb) to fend something off.
How do you pronounce “ward”?
“Ward” is pronounced wawd (/wɔɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ward” in a sentence?
Here is “ward” used in a sentence: “She was moved to the maternity ward after the birth.”
What part of speech is “ward”?
Depending on how it is used, “ward” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ward” come from?
The word “ward” comes from Old English. From Old English weard, meaning "guard" or "watchman," from a Germanic root related to heeding and defending — the same root that eventually gives us "guard" and "warden.".
Is “ward” a common word?
“Ward” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ward” have?
“Ward” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a section of a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for.
What is the difference between a hospital ward and a hospital unit?
A ward is a section of a hospital where patients with similar needs are cared for together, traditionally in a shared room. A unit often refers to a specialised department, such as an intensive care unit, though the two terms overlap and usage varies by country and hospital.
What is the difference between a ward and a district?
A ward is an administrative division of a city, town, or borough, often used for local elections. A district is usually a larger administrative area, so wards are frequently smaller subdivisions within a wider district or borough.
