nursing

1 of 2

noun

nurs·​ing ˈnər-siŋ How to pronounce nursing (audio)
Synonyms of nursingnext
1
: the profession of a nurse
schools of nursing
2
: the duties of a nurse
proper nursing is difficult work

nursing

2 of 2

present participle of nurse entry 2

Examples of nursing in a Sentence

Noun She has been employed in nursing for several years now.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In the non-lactating breast, more than half the volume is fat and connective tissue rather than milk-making tissue, and the gland only expands substantially during pregnancy and nursing. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Twin nursing pillows are designed to feed two babies at once. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Also among the top tier is an ultracompetitive nursing degree, which translates to an annual income of about $125,000, according to an analysis released Friday by the HEA Group, a national education research firm. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Rubinger holds master’s degrees in nursing and kinesiology from Indiana University and The George Washington University. — Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nursing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of nursing was circa 1533

Phrases Containing nursing

Rhymes for nursing

See All Rhymes for nursing

Browse Nearby Words

nurse tree
nursing
nursing anemia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nursing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nursing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

nursing

noun
nurs·​ing
1
: the profession of a nurse
schools of nursing
2
: the duties of a nurse
proper nursing is difficult work

More from Merriam-Webster on nursing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nursing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nursing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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