1
: a person who cares for the sick or infirm
specifically
: a licensed health care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health compare licensed practical nurse, registered nurse
2
3
: one that looks after, fosters, or advises
Time is the nurse and breeder of all good.—
Shakespeare
Shakespeare4
a
: a worker form of a social (see social entry 1 sense 4b) insect (such as an ant or a bee) that cares for the young
b
: a female mammal used to suckle (see suckle sense 1a) the young of another
a nurse cow
nursed; nursing
1
a
: to nourish at the breast : suckle
b
: to take nourishment from the breast of
2
a
: to care for and wait on (someone, such as a sick person)
b
: to attempt to cure by care and treatment
3
a
: to manage with care or economy
nursed the business through hard times
nursed a 1–0 lead
b
: to promote the development or progress of
c
: to take charge of and watch over
4
: to hold in one's memory or consideration
nurse a grievance
5
a
: to use, handle, or operate carefully so as to conserve energy or avoid injury or pain
nurse a sprained ankle
b
: to use sparingly
c
: to consume slowly or over a long period
nurse a cup of coffee
1
a
: to feed at the breast : suck
b
: to feed an offspring from the breast
2
: to act or serve as a nurse
nurser
noun
Synonyms
Examples of nurse in a Sentence
Noun
The nurse will take your blood pressure before the doctor sees you.
Nurse, may I have some water?
Verb
She is nursing her son through his illness.
The couple nursed the business through hard times.
He nursed the farm back to productivity.
The team nursed a 1–0 lead until the last inning.
The dog nursed her puppies.
The baby nursed for several months.
The puppies nursed for eight weeks.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bernard Marr, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth.
—Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024
Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Most of the Astros regulars, including Chas McCormick, will likely start Tuesday, although outfielder Yordan Álvarez is still nursing an injured knee.
—Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nurse 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Marketing managers are building AI models, nurses are developing healthcare apps, and finance teams are creating their own automation solutions.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth.
—Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Gillick, the Chargers’ high-powered running back who came into the contest averaging 168 yards a game, was nursing an injury and saw limited action, getting only 10 carries.
—Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Most of the Astros regulars, including Chas McCormick, will likely start Tuesday, although outfielder Yordan Álvarez is still nursing an injured knee.
—Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nurse
Dictionary Entries Near nurse
Cite this Entry
“Nurse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nurse
1 of 2 noun1
: a woman who has the care of a young child
2
: a person skilled or trained in caring for the sick and in maintaining good health in those who are not sick and who works either independently or under the supervision of a physician
3
: a worker of a social insect (as an ant or bee) that cares for the young
nurse
2 of 2 verb
nursed; nursing
1
: to feed at the breast : suckle
3
: to manage with care or economy
nursed the business through hard times
4
: to care for and wait on (as a young child or sick person)
nursed me back to health
5
: to hold in one's memory
nurse a grudge
6
: to treat with special care
nursed the car over the rough road
nurser
noun
Medical Definition
nurse
1 of 2 noun1
: a person who cares for the sick or infirm
specifically
: a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health see licensed practical nurse, licensed vocational nurse, registered nurse
2
: a woman who suckles an infant not her own : wet nurse
nurse
2 of 2 verb
nursed; nursing
1
a
: to nourish at the breast : suckle
b
: to take nourishment from the breast of : suck milk from
2
a
: to care for and wait on (as an injured or infirm person)
b
: to attempt a cure of (as an ailment) by care and treatment
1
a
: to feed an offspring from the breast
b
: to feed at the breast : suck
2
: to act or serve as a nurse
Biographical Definition
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