noun
Uncommon
infirmary
ihn-FMUH-ree
Infirmary (noun) means a place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic. Example: “The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle.”
noun
1
A place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic.
"There shall be provided an infirmary or a place for the treatment of sick detained person in every place of detention."
— Minister for Home Affairs, Regulation 7 (2015)
"The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle."
"The prison infirmary was understaffed and overcrowded."
How to use infirmary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small hospital or medical unit within a larger institution, like a school or prison.
Common pairings
school infirmary
taken to the infirmary
infirmary ward
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Word forms
- Plural
- infirmaries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The player was taken to the school _____ after twisting his ankle.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin infirmaria, built on infirmus ("weak, sick").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for infirmary
See all rhymes for infirmary →Frequently asked questions
What does “infirmary” mean?
The word “infirmary” means a place where sick or injured people are treated, especially a small hospital or clinic. In plain terms, a small hospital or medical unit within a larger institution, like a school or prison.
How do you pronounce “infirmary”?
“Infirmary” is pronounced ihn-FMUH-ree (/ɪnˈfɝməɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “infirmary” in a sentence?
Here is “infirmary” used in a sentence: “The player was taken to the school infirmary after twisting his ankle.”
What part of speech is “infirmary”?
“Infirmary” is a noun.
Where does the word “infirmary” come from?
The word “infirmary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin infirmaria, built on infirmus ("weak, sick").
Is “infirmary” a common word?
“Infirmary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
