C1noun2K

Nursery

UK /["/ˈnɜːsəri/"]/US /["/ˈnɜːrsəri/"]/

Definition

a place where young children are cared for while their parents are at work; a day nursery or nursery school

In simple words: A place for young children to play and learn.

Examples

  • Her youngest child is at nursery now.
  • The children are at nursery three days a week.

Usage notes

Use 'nursery' to refer to both the physical space for small children and a place where plants are grown. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when discussing childcare or gardening.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'nurturing' young ones in a cozy room.

Collocations

  • nursery rhyme
  • nurture in a nursery
  • childcare nursery
  • plant nursery

Synonyms

  • daycare
  • preschool
  • creche
  • kindergarten

Antonyms

  • adult
  • grown-up

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'nursery' with 'nursery school' (a specific type of educational institution).
  • Using 'nursery' exclusively for educational contexts, ignoring the plant-related meaning.