Langimage
English

ambulance

|am/bu/lance|

A2

🇺🇸

/ˈæmbjələns/

🇬🇧

/ˈæmbjʊləns/

emergency medical transport

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ambulance' originates from French, specifically the word 'ambulant,' where 'ambul-' meant 'to walk or move.'

Historical Evolution

'ambulant' transformed into the French word 'ambulance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ambulance' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a mobile or field hospital,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a vehicle for transporting the sick or injured.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a vehicle equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from the hospital, especially in emergencies.

The ambulance arrived at the scene within minutes.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39