abbreviation

NPO

en-pee-OH

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NPO (abbreviation) means nothing by mouth; an instruction that a patient must not eat or drink, usually before surgery or a procedure, or because swallowing is unsafe. Example: “Keep the patient NPO from midnight before the operation.”

abbreviation

medical Nothing by mouth; an instruction that a patient must not eat or drink, usually before surgery or a procedure, or because swallowing is unsafe.

"Keep the patient NPO from midnight before the operation."

"She was NPO for twelve hours and only allowed ice chips afterwards."

Non-profit organisation; a body that operates for a social, charitable or public purpose rather than to distribute profit to owners.

"The shelter is run by a local NPO with three paid staff."

How to use NPO

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn order that a patient must not eat or drink anything.

When to use it

The medical sense is standard in American hospital charting; the non-profit sense is common in accounting and grant writing.

Memory tip

Context tells the two apart instantly: a hospital chart means nil per os, a funding document means non-profit organisation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

NBM NGO → non-profit

Common pairings

keep NPO NPO after midnight NPO status NPO except medications

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “NPO” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Keep the patient _____ from midnight before the operation.

Etymology

In the medical sense, an initialism of Latin nil per os, 'nothing through the mouth'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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nil by mouth NBM non-profit not-for-profit NGO

Related words

charity nonprofit Ngo NFP

Frequently asked questions

What does NPO stand for in medical terms?

Nil per os, Latin for 'nothing through the mouth'. It means the patient must not take food, drink or oral medication until the order is lifted.

What is the difference between NPO and nil by mouth?

Nothing. NPO is the standard American abbreviation and nil by mouth, often shortened to NBM, is the British equivalent. Both mean the same restriction.

Can an NPO patient take medication?

Not by mouth unless a clinician specifically permits it. Essential drugs are usually given intravenously or the order is written to allow sips of water with medication.

What is the meaning of NPO?

"NPO" (abbreviation) means nothing by mouth; an instruction that a patient must not eat or drink, usually before surgery or a procedure, or because swallowing is unsafe.

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charity nonprofit Ngo NFP