infirmary

noun

in·​fir·​ma·​ry in-ˈfər-mə-rē 

-ˈfərm-rē

plural infirmaries

1

: a place (as in a school or prison) where sick or injured individuals receive care and treatment

2

: a large medical facility : hospital

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Examples of infirmary in a Sentence

One of the students became ill and was sent to the infirmary.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some, due to age or infirmary, may not have access to computers that need to be used to complete the web forms. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Before being transported to court for the appearance, Moore had been held at the North Infirmary Command on Rikers Island, a facility that houses individuals with acute medical conditions or disabilities requiring infirmary care. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

The document alleges that Brooks, who was handcuffed, was assaulted twice by Anzalone, Walrath and another officer en route to the infirmary for a medical checkup. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Officers Michael Fisher and David Walters were charged with manslaughter for standing in the infirmary and watching the beating take place but not taking any action. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

infirmary

noun

in·​fir·​ma·​ry in-ˈfərm-(ə-)rē 

plural infirmaries

: a place (as in a school or camp) for the care of sick or injured people

also : hospital

Medical Definition

infirmary

noun

in·​fir·​ma·​ry in-ˈfərm-(ə-)rē 

plural infirmaries

1

: a place (as in a school or prison) where sick or injured individuals receive care and treatment

2

: a large medical facility : hospital

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary