stretcher

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stretcher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a moveable bed or a frame on which someone can be carried, such as when they are injured and require medical attention. For example: "The ambulance arrived and the paramedics had to put the injured man on a stretcher before taking him to the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Steve Hibbert, bar manager at the Oaks Working Men's Club, where Pugh is employed, said he was shocked to see him being carried away from the scene on a stretcher in television footage.

The Guardian

They were going into every challenge full-blooded and Chris Gunter showed no mercy as he challenged Danny Lafferty so forcefully he sent the Northern Ireland international flying over the advertising hoardings, wiped the linesman out and also saw a ball boy require lengthy treatment that ended in the youngster being carried away on the stretcher.

The Guardian - Sport

Shaking from the shock, she had to be carried away on a stretcher by paramedics.

The Guardian

Brill received lengthy treatment after collapsing to the ground after being closed down by the Celtic forward Gary Mackay-Steven in the box, before being carried off on a stretcher with Esson coming on.

The Guardian - Sport

Filipe was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital for tests, while the players and his coach Miguel Angel Lotina covered their faces with their hands.

The Guardian - Sport

On Wednesday, Steve Hibbert, bar manager at the Oaks Working Men's Club, where Pugh is employed, said he was shocked to see him being carried away from the scene on a stretcher in television footage.

The Guardian

He was checked out of the hotel on a stretcher.

The Guardian - Travel

Half an hour later an ambulance pulls into the bay and as the back doors open, the slurred and expletive-filled demands of a man on a stretcher can be heard.

The Guardian

Television news footage showed emergency crews rolling one person on a wheeled stretcher to a waiting helicopter and loading that person aboard.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The stretcher-bearers in the Argonne, for example, who had told him they didn't dare leave the trench for fear of German fire.

The Economist

While Jerry Springer and his ilk filled their studios with stump-toothed degenerates, Ms Winfrey introduced her book club and encouraged her viewers to improve themselves.Ms Winfrey is also an experienced brand-stretcher.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretcher" when you want to highlight the medical nature of the transport.

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms like "bed" or "cot" when the specific context calls for a "stretcher", as this can lead to a lack of clarity, particularly in medical or emergency response scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stretcher" is as a noun, referring to a device used for carrying the sick, injured, or dead. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in numerous examples where it acts as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stretcher" functions primarily as a noun denoting a portable device for carrying individuals, particularly in medical or emergency contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "litter" or "gurney" exist, "stretcher" offers a neutral and widely understood term for describing this specific piece of equipment. When writing, use "stretcher" to provide precise clarity, especially in medical scenarios, and avoid overly broad terms. The term appears frequently in authoritative sources like The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

litter

A more general term for a portable bed used to carry the sick or injured.

gurney

Specifically refers to a wheeled stretcher, often used in hospitals.

ambulance cot

Specifically relates to the cot used inside an ambulance.

portable bed

A descriptive term highlighting the bed's portability.

wheeled bed

Highlights the presence of wheels for easier transport.

carrying cot

Emphasizes the cot-like nature and its use for carrying.

hospital bed on wheels

Expands on wheeled bed with hospital setting included.

rescue basket

Used when rescuing individuals, often in emergency situations.

medical carrier

A broad term referring to any device used to carry patients.

improvised carrying device

Refers to a temporary solution for carrying when a normal stretcher is not available

FAQs

How to use "stretcher" in a sentence?

You can use "stretcher" to describe the act of carrying someone on a medical device, for example, "The paramedics used a "stretcher" to transport the injured player off the field."

What can I say instead of "stretcher"?

You can use alternatives like "litter", "gurney", or "portable bed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "stretcher" or "gurney"?

Both "stretcher" and "gurney" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. A "stretcher" is a more general term, while a "gurney" specifically refers to a wheeled stretcher, often used in hospitals.

What's the difference between "stretcher" and "litter"?

A "stretcher" is typically used in medical contexts, whereas "litter" is a more general term for a portable bed used to carry someone who is sick, injured, or dead.