English Reference
noun · adjective

nursing

n. · adj.
US /ˈnɝsɪŋ/ UK /nˈɜːsɪŋ/ nurs·ing UK spelling nursings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    n.the job or profession of looking after people who are ill, injured, or old.

    n.the profession or practice of providing medical care and support to patients, typically within a clinical or community setting.

    Simple

    She decided to go into nursing because she wanted to help people in her community.

    In context

    The hospital is currently facing a critical shortage of staff in the nursing department, leading to longer shifts for the remaining personnel.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of a mother feeding a baby with milk from her own body.

    n.the act of suckling or breastfeeding an infant.

    Simple

    The quiet room in the mall is designed for mothers who need a private space for nursing.

    In context

    The midwife provided several helpful tips on comfortable positions for nursing during the first few weeks after the birth.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    adj.describing things or people related to the job of a nurse.

    adj.pertaining to the profession, duties, or education of nurses.

    Simple

    He is a nursing student at the local university and works at the clinic on weekends.

    In context

    The nursing staff held a meeting to discuss the implementation of the new patient safety protocols across all wards.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.describing a mother animal or person who is currently producing milk for her young.

    adj.in the state of suckling young or producing milk; lactating.

    Simple

    The nursing mother cat stayed close to her kittens to keep them warm and fed.

    In context

    The nutritional requirements for nursing mammals are significantly higher than those for non-lactating adults of the same species.

Galvez is now enrolled in community college studying nursing, and hopes to eventually become a mental health professional.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026

Unlike paths of study that are highly directed toward particular jobs—such as nursing—studying science doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up working in a lab.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated