nursing

NounTransitive VerbIntransitive Verb

When used as a noun to describe the profession, 'nursing' is an uncountable noun. You generally do not say 'a nursing' unless referring to a specific act of care. In the context of feeding a baby, 'nursing' can be used as both a transitive verb (the mother is nursing the baby) and an intransitive verb (the baby is nursing). When using 'nursing' to mean tending to an illness or injury, it often implies a slow, careful process of recovery.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating on a paper in the library.

Chloe Smith

I'm totally crashing. Just nursing this iced latte for three hours.

Maya

Stop messing around and actually finish your thesis, Chloe.

💡

Chloe uses 'nursing' in the sense of tending to something slowly over time (sipping a drink slowly), while Maya provides a blunt reality check. The phrase 'totally crashing' is casual slang for feeling exhausted or losing energy.

Meanings

Noun

The profession or practice of providing care for the sick, injured, or infirm.

"She decided to pursue a career in nursing after volunteering at a local clinic."

Transitive Verb

To give milk to a baby from the breast; to feed a young animal.

"The mother is nursing her newborn child."

Transitive Verb

To tend to someone or something with care, especially during recovery from illness or injury.

"He spent the weekend nursing a severe cold back to health."

Intransitive Verb

To be fed at the breast.

"The infant was still nursing when he was six months old."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error