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infirmary

noun in·fir·ma·ry \ in-ˈfərm-rē , -ˈfər-mə- \
|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of infirmary

plural infirmaries
1 : a place (as in a school or prison) where sick or injured individuals receive care and treatment
2 : a large medical facility : hospital
  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

See infirmary defined for English-language learners

See infirmary defined for kids

Examples of infirmary in a Sentence

  1. One of the students became ill and was sent to the infirmary.

Recent Examples of infirmary from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infirmary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of infirmary

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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INFIRMARY Defined for English Language Learners

infirmary

noun

Definition of infirmary for English Language Learners

  • : a place where sick people stay and are cared for in a school, prison, summer camp, etc.

INFIRMARY Defined for Kids

infirmary

noun in·fir·ma·ry \ in-ˈfər-mə-rē \

Definition of infirmary for Students

plural infirmaries
: a place for the care and housing of sick people

Medical Dictionary

infirmary

noun in·fir·ma·ry \ in-ˈfərm-(ə-)rē \

medical Definition of infirmary

plural infirmaries
: a place especially in a school or college for the care and treatment of the sick

Learn More about infirmary

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of infirmary Nglish: Translation of infirmary for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infirmary

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