noun

bedpan

BEHD-pan

Bedpan (noun) means a shallow pan used by a bedridden person for going to the toilet in bed. Example: “The nurse brought a bedpan for the patient who couldn't get up.”

noun

A shallow pan used by a bedridden person for going to the toilet in bed.

"The nurse brought a bedpan for the patient who couldn't get up."

How to use bedpan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA toilet substitute used in bed, mainly in hospitals or by people who can't get up.

Word forms

bedpans plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The nurse brought a _____ for the patient who couldn't get up.

Etymology

From "bed" plus "pan," describing what it is used for.

Frequently asked questions

What does “bedpan” mean?

The word “bedpan” means a shallow pan used by a bedridden person for going to the toilet in bed. In plain terms, a toilet substitute used in bed, mainly in hospitals or by people who can't get up.

How do you pronounce “bedpan”?

“Bedpan” is pronounced BEHD-pan (/ˈbɛdˌpæn/ in IPA).

How do you use “bedpan” in a sentence?

Here is “bedpan” used in a sentence: “The nurse brought a bedpan for the patient who couldn't get up.”

What part of speech is “bedpan”?

“Bedpan” is a noun.