nursery

noun

nurs·​ery ˈnər-s(ə-)rē 

plural nurseries

1

obsolete : attentive care : fosterage

2

a

: a child's bedroom

b

: a place where children are temporarily cared for in their parents' absence

c

: day nursery

3

a

: something that fosters, develops, or promotes

b

: a place in which persons are trained or educated

4

: an area where plants are grown for transplanting, for use as stocks for budding and grafting, or for sale

5

: a place where young animals grow or are cared for

Synonyms of nursery

• center
• nest
• seminary
• hothouse

Examples of nursery in a Sentence

She still needs to decorate the nursery before the baby comes.

We get our flowers from a local nursery.

Recent Examples on the Web

At each stop, a contingent of no more than 10 workers and organizers broke from the group, walked inside and pitched whoever was in charge on Planting Justice, explaining what the working conditions are like at the nurseries that supply the retailers’ plants. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026

Many hybrids are available in the nursery trade that combine the best traits of the parental lines including large flowers, a compact growth habit, and tolerance to heat and drought. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

Species like mahi mahi, jacks and amberjacks also use it as a primary nursery area. —Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Growing from seed is generally a more affordable alternative to buying plants at a nursery. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nursery

• day nursery
• nursery rhyme
• nursery school
• nursery slope

Rhymes for nursery

• bursary
• cursory
• anniversary

Kids Definition

nursery

noun

nurs·​ery ˈnərs-(ə-)rē 

plural nurseries

1

a

: a child's bedroom

b

: a place where children are temporarily cared for in their parents' absence

2

: a place where plants (as trees or shrubs) are grown for transplanting, for use as stocks in grafting, or for sale

Medical Definition

nursery

noun

nurs·​ery ˈnərs-(ə-)rē 

plural nurseries

: the department of a hospital where newborn infants are cared for