English Explanatory Dictionary

candy striper

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A volunteer worker in a hospital or hospice.

Word forms

candy striper candy stripers candy-striper candystriper

Etymology

First appears in the US c. 1944, from candy stripe + -er, due to the red-and-white striped jumpers worn by hospital volunteers, which resembled stick candy (being candy-striped); originally worn by a group of high-school girls who volunteered as hospital workers at East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey.

Related words

candy girl candy stripe
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