ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nursing

n. · adj.
US //ˈnɝsɪŋ// UK //nˈɜːsɪŋ// nurs·ing
  1. 1 the profession (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The hospital is currently facing a critical shortage of staff in the nursing department, leading to longer shifts for the remaining personnel.
  2. 2 breastfeeding (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

    the act of suckling or breastfeeding an infant.

    Example

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

    Example

    The midwife provided several helpful tips on comfortable positions for nursing during the first few weeks after the birth.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 related to nurses (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The nursing staff held a meeting to discuss the implementation of the new patient safety protocols across all wards.
  2. 4 lactating (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

© 2026 English Reference