Nursing: meaning, definitions and examples

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nursing

 

[ ˈnəːsɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical care

The profession or practice of providing care for the sick and infirm, especially in a hospital or other medical facility. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying people.

Synonyms

caregiving, medical care, patient care.

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Word Description / Examples
nursing

This term is commonly used when referring to the professional practice of providing medical and personal care, especially in hospitals and clinics.

  • She decided to pursue a career in nursing.
  • The nursing staff at the hospital is exceptional.
caregiving

This word is used when talking about providing personal care, often to family members or friends, sometimes in a home setting.

  • She took on the role of caregiving for her elderly parents.
  • Balancing caregiving with work can be challenging.
medical care

This phrase is used to describe professional treatment and attention given to patients in hospitals, clinics, or by healthcare providers. It encompasses a broad range of services.

  • Access to quality medical care is essential for a healthy society.
  • He needed immediate medical care after the accident.
patient care

This term specifically refers to the services provided to patients to ensure their well-being and comfort, often used in a hospital or healthcare facility context.

  • The hospital is known for its excellent patient care.
  • Effective patient care requires a combination of medical expertise and compassion.

Examples of usage

  • Nursing requires a high level of skill and compassion.
  • She decided to pursue a career in nursing to help those in need.
Context #2 | Noun

breastfeeding

The practice or profession of feeding a baby with milk from the breast. It is a natural and important aspect of early childhood development.

Synonyms

breastfeeding, suckling.

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Word Description / Examples
nursing

Using for the act of feeding a baby with milk from the breast. It can be used in both medical and everyday contexts. It is neutral and general.

  • She found nursing her newborn to be a calming experience
  • The hospital staff provided excellent support for new mothers in nursing their babies
breastfeeding

Typically used in a straightforward and clinical way to refer to the practice of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast. It is often used in healthcare settings and parenting advice.

  • Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother
  • She attended a workshop to learn more about breastfeeding techniques
suckling

More commonly used in literature or when referring to animals. It can sound more formal or old-fashioned when referring to human babies.

  • The kitten was found suckling from its mother
  • In ancient times, the suckling of infants was a woman’s primary duty

Examples of usage

  • She believes in the benefits of nursing her newborn.
  • Many mothers find nursing to be a bonding experience with their babies.
Context #3 | Noun

support and nourishment

The act of providing support, care, and nourishment to someone or something. It can also refer to the fostering and maintenance of something.

Synonyms

care, nourishment, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nursing

Typically used in medical or caregiving contexts to refer to the care of patients, especially by trained nurses.

  • The nursing staff worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort of the patients
  • She's studying nursing at university
care

Can be used broadly to refer to attention and concern for the well-being of someone or something, not limited to medical contexts.

  • He gave his plants extra care during the summer months
  • The company provides excellent customer care
support

Used to describe assistance or encouragement provided to someone, often emotional or financial help.

  • She received a lot of support from her friends during tough times
  • The company offers financial support for employees' education
nourishment

Refers specifically to providing food or sustenance needed for growth and health.

  • The children receive proper nourishment at school
  • Good nourishment is essential for recovery from illness

Examples of usage

  • The nursing of the injured bird back to health was a remarkable feat.
  • The nursing of a plant requires regular watering and sunlight.

Translations

Translations of the word "nursing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enfermagem

🇮🇳 नर्सिंग

🇩🇪 Krankenpflege

🇮🇩 keperawatan

🇺🇦 догляд

🇵🇱 pielęgniarstwo

🇯🇵 看護

🇫🇷 soins infirmiers

🇪🇸 enfermería

🇹🇷 hemşirelik

🇰🇷 간호

🇸🇦 تمريض

🇨🇿 ošetřovatelství

🇸🇰 ošetrovateľstvo

🇨🇳 护理

🇸🇮 nega

🇮🇸 hjúkrun

🇰🇿 мейірбике ісі

🇬🇪 მედდას

🇦🇿 tibb bacısı işi

🇲🇽 enfermería

Etymology

The word 'nursing' originated from the Middle English word 'norsing', which meant 'feeding, suckling, fostering'. It has evolved over time to encompass the broader meanings of providing care, support, and nourishment. Nursing as a profession has a long history dating back to ancient times, but modern nursing practices have developed significantly over the centuries.

See also: nurse, nursery.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,323, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.