Word
infirmary
Phoneticsin·fir·mary
US/ɪnˈfɝmɝi/
UK/ɪnfˈɜːməɹi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a place where people who are sick or hurt can get medical help. You usually find this inside a larger building like a school, a prison, or a military base.
n. a designated area or building used for the medical treatment of the sick or injured, typically within a larger institution. Often implies a smaller or more localized facility than a general hospital.
Examples
“The student went to the school infirmary because she had a fever.”
“After the accident on the training grounds, the soldiers were immediately taken to the base infirmary for evaluation.”
“While the main hospital was miles away, the factory maintained a small infirmary to provide immediate first aid and stabilize workers before transport.”
Examples
simple
“The student went to the school infirmary because she had a fever.”
contextual
“After the accident on the training grounds, the soldiers were immediately taken to the base infirmary for evaluation.”
complex
“While the main hospital was miles away, the factory maintained a small infirmary to provide immediate first aid and stabilize workers before transport.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific medical office of an institution.
Real-World Examples
“There was blood coming out her mouth."
Diane Watson was later declared dead at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Barbara Glover handed herself into the police.” “If you live in Ambleside, the distance to Royal Lancaster infirmary could be done in an hour, but you can face long delays due to traffic.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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