Usage Note
Dispensaire refers to a publicly funded outpatient clinic that provides basic healthcare without requiring hospitalisation, often in lower-income or rural areas. It is distinct from a cabinet médical (private doctor's surgery) or hôpital. In international aid contexts, French NGOs use the word for field clinics set up in crisis zones.
Examples
"Elle s'est rendue au dispensaire du quartier."
Natural Translation
She went to the neighbourhood health clinic.
Free starter pack
Building your French vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
