What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sickroom
Example
The nurse checked on the patient in the sickroom. [sickroom: noun]
Example
She spent most of her time in the sickroom recovering from the flu. [sickroom: noun]
ward
Example
The patient was transferred to the oncology ward for further treatment. [ward: noun]
Example
The hospital has separate wards for pediatric and adult patients. [ward: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ward is more commonly used than sickroom in medical contexts. Ward is a standard term used in hospitals and medical facilities to describe a section or unit where patients receive ongoing medical care and attention. Sickroom is less common and is typically used in a home setting to describe a private space designated for the care and recovery of an ill person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sickroom and ward?
Both sickroom and ward are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, ward is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.