# clinic

/ˈkɫɪnɪk/ (US) · /klˈɪnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clinic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. medical facility

noun · CEFR B1

a place where people go to receive medical treatment or advice, often without staying overnight.

For teachers: a healthcare facility or department of a hospital primarily devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of outpatients.

- I have an appointment at the dental clinic tomorrow morning.
- The local health clinic provides essential immunisations and prenatal care for families living in the rural district.

Usage: Often used with a modifying noun to specify the type of care, such as 'fertility clinic' or 'eye clinic'.

### 2. specialised session

noun · CEFR B2

a meeting or class where people get expert advice or training on a specific subject.

For teachers: a session or seminar conducted for the purpose of diagnosis, instruction, or problem-solving in a particular field.

- The coach is holding a basketball clinic to help players improve their shooting.
- The legal aid society organised a weekly clinic where residents could receive pro bono advice on housing disputes.

### 3. political meeting

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a regular time when a politician meets with the people they represent to hear their problems.

For teachers: a scheduled period during which a member of parliament or local official meets with constituents to discuss grievances or requests.

- The MP holds a clinic every Friday afternoon in the town hall.
- During her constituency clinic, the representative addressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to local transport subsidies.

Teaching tip: In British English, this is often called a 'surgery', but 'clinic' is also used for this specific political context.

## Examples

- I have an appointment at the dental clinic tomorrow.
- The local health clinic offers free vaccinations for children every Tuesday morning.
- While the main hospital handles emergency surgeries, the community clinic manages routine check-ups and chronic disease monitoring for the local population.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.