hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhä-spəs 

1

: a lodging for travelers, young persons, or the underprivileged especially when maintained by a religious order

2

: a program designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained and family members may be active participants in care

also : a facility that provides such a program

Synonyms

• auberge
• caravansary
• caravanserai
• hostel
• hostelry
• hotel
• inn
• lodge
• public house
• tavern

Examples of hospice in a Sentence

She chose to go to a hospice instead of a hospital.

the monks run a hospice for travelers in their mountain retreat

Recent Examples on the Web

Patrick Mahomes' grandfather is in hospice care, the Kansas City Chiefs star's mother Randi Mahomes has announced. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025

Jack De Mave, who played Forest Ranger Bob Erickson in CBS’ Lassie, died in hospice care in Macon, Georgia on January 16 following a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

During the 2024 campaign, Carter’s desire to cast a ballot for Vice President Harris, even while in hospice care, also became a storyline political watchers monitored as Election Day drew closer. —Brett Samuels, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025

Carter, who served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, died at his home in Plains on Dec. 29 after spending almost two years in hospice care. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French hospise, borrowed from Medieval Latin hospitium "hospitality, lodgings, monastic guesthouse, shelter maintained by a religious order for the poor and infirm," going back to Latin,"accommodation of guests, hired lodgings," from hospit-, hospes "guest, host" + -ium, denominal suffix of function or occupation — more at host entry 1

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhäs-pəs 

1

: an inn for travelers

especially : one kept by a religious order

2

: a place or program for caring for dying persons

Medical Definition

hospice

noun

hos·​pice ˈhäs-pəs 

: a facility or program designed to provide palliative care and emotional support to the terminally ill in a home or homelike setting so that quality of life is maintained and family members may be active participants in care