# infirmary

/ɪnˈfɝmɝi/ (US) · /ɪnfˈɜːməɹi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/infirmary
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific medical office of an institution.

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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.