hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhä-spəs 

1

: a lodging for travelers, young persons, or the underprivileged especially when maintained by a religious order

2

: a program designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained and family members may be active participants in care

also : a facility that provides such a program

Synonyms of hospice

• hotel
• hostel
• tavern

Examples of hospice in a Sentence

She chose to go to a hospice instead of a hospital.

the monks run a hospice for travelers in their mountain retreat

Recent Examples on the Web

An Ada County judge let a Boise woman who stole jewelry from hospice patients off without prison time — but not without a stern warning and alternative punishment. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Apr. 2026

In January 2025, a mother of a young boy whom the princess greeted at the children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan told PEOPLE about the experience of interacting with Kate. —Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Of the roughly 1,800 hospices operating in LA County, more than 700 have triggered multiple fraud red flags, according to state auditors. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

In 2021, after the Los Angeles Times documented growing hospice fraud, Newsom and the Legislature put a freeze on new hospice licenses in place. —Andrew Graham april 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French hospise, borrowed from Medieval Latin hospitium "hospitality, lodgings, monastic guesthouse, shelter maintained by a religious order for the poor and infirm," going back to Latin,"accommodation of guests, hired lodgings," from hospit-, hospes "guest, host" + -ium, denominal suffix of function or occupation — more at host entry 1

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhäs-pəs 

1

: an inn for travelers

especially : one kept by a religious order

2

: a place or program for caring for dying persons

Medical Definition

hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhäs-pəs 

: a facility or program designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained and family members may be active participants in care