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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

hospice

HOS-pihs

Hospice (noun) means a facility or program providing comfort-focused care for people who are terminally ill, rather than treatment aimed at a cure. Example: “Her family arranged for her to spend her final weeks in a hospice.”

noun
1
A facility or program providing comfort-focused care for people who are terminally ill, rather than treatment aimed at a cure.
"Her family arranged for her to spend her final weeks in a hospice."
"The hospice nurse visited daily to manage his pain."

How to use hospice

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCare and support for people nearing the end of life, focused on comfort rather than cure.

Common pairings
hospice care enter hospice hospice nurse

Word forms

hospices plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her family arranged for her to spend her final weeks in a _____.

Etymology

From French hospice, going back to Latin hospitium, "hospitality" or "a place of lodging" — originally a shelter for travellers and the poor.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for hospice

See all rhymes for hospice →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hospice” mean?

The word “hospice” means a facility or program providing comfort-focused care for people who are terminally ill, rather than treatment aimed at a cure. In plain terms, care and support for people nearing the end of life, focused on comfort rather than cure.

How do you pronounce “hospice”?

“Hospice” is pronounced HOS-pihs (/ˈhɑspɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “hospice” in a sentence?

Here is “hospice” used in a sentence: “Her family arranged for her to spend her final weeks in a hospice.”

What part of speech is “hospice”?

“Hospice” is a noun.

Where does the word “hospice” come from?

The word “hospice” comes from Latin. From French hospice, going back to Latin hospitium, "hospitality" or "a place of lodging" — originally a shelter for travellers and the poor.

Is “hospice” a common word?

“Hospice” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial