Word
NHS
Phoneticsnhs
Definitions
01UK healthcare system
n. Stands for National Health Service. The government-run system in the UK that provides free medical treatment and hospital care.
n. Abbreviation for National Health Service. The comprehensive, publicly funded healthcare system of the United Kingdom, providing medical services free at the point of delivery.
“My sister works as a nurse for the NHS in a large hospital in London.”
“The sustainability of the NHS remains a central pillar of British political debate, particularly regarding funding for elective surgeries and emergency care.”
British English
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Teaching tip
For learners in the UK, this is a daily-use term; outside the UK, it specifically refers to the British system and not healthcare in general.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02US school organization
n. Stands for National Honor Society. An organization in American high schools for students with very good grades.
n. Abbreviation for National Honor Society. A nationwide organization for high school students in the United States based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
“He was proud to be invited to join the NHS during his junior year.”
“Membership in the NHS is often cited on college applications as evidence of both academic excellence and a commitment to community service.”
American English · Formal
Teaching tip
This is a culture-specific term for the US education system; most international learners will only encounter it in American media or academic contexts.
03US historic location
n. Stands for National Historic Site. A place in the US that is protected because it is important to history.
n. Abbreviation for National Historic Site. A designation for officially protected areas of national historic significance in the United States, managed by the National Park Service.
“We visited the local NHS to learn about the battle that happened there.”
“The federal government designated the childhood home of the former president as an NHS to ensure its architectural preservation.”
American English · Technical
Usage
Often appears on maps and road signs in the United States.