Nurse Definition: Meaning, Roles, and Caregiving Explained

Noun

1. a person trained to care for the sick or injured, especially in a hospital or clinic.

"nursing can be regarded as a career in many ways as rewarding as medicine"

2. (in various religious communities) a member of a body of people living under vows, especially one who cares for the sick.

"the Nursing Sisters of the Sacred Heart"

* * *

Verb

1. give medical or other care to (someone who is sick, injured, or old).

"she was nursed by her mother-in-law throughout her illness"

2. feed and protect a young child or baby animal from birth until it is old enough to fend for itself.

"the pups are nursed for about ten weeks"

* * *

Phrases

* nurse someone through an illness: help and care for someone during a period of illness.

* nurse someone back to health: care for someone until they recover from an illness.

* nurse a drink: drink (an alcoholic drink) slowly, savoring the flavor and often in small sips.