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

Lauren Alexandra sells a variety of baby clothing from pajamas to shoes and swimwear, nursery items, toys and even nursery design services. — Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026

In the nursery, the daybed is upholstered in a fabric by Namay Samay. — Michelle Ruiz, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026

However, what Patterson says was once uncommon has become a regular occurrence when the Idaho pediatrician is working in a newborn nursery in the southwest region of the state. — Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

For specialized medical needs, the center also houses a 24-hour nursery, a respiratory ward, and a complete surgical suite with a recovery room. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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