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first-aid kit

first-aid kit

30 1.8
A box or bag with bandages and medicine to treat injuries
  • noun
  • /ˈfɜrstˌeɪd kɪt/
translation icon : botiquín
  • Before going on a hike, it's essential to pack a first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptics.

And actually I have first aid kits in my cars.

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Examples

  • Alex T clutches the first aid kit and runs away.

  • Someone produced a first-aid kit and wrapped the wound with gauze.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Do you have a first aid kit? - Yes, we do.

  • There might be something in the first aid kit.

  • I have a first aid kit inside.

  • Get the first aid kit!

  • I'll go get the first aid kit.

  • My leg needs treatment soon, and the only first aid kit around is in my tent.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • For your family, it might not be a bad idea to keep a first aid kit handy.

    Blog text (21)
  • Just like a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit, it's just good to have one on hand at all times.

Synonyms

medkit
vsfirst-aid kit
3 3.2

A small bag with first aid items for small injuries

is a box or bag holding bandages and medicines for emergency treatment

How Complete

first-aid kit
30 1.8
supplies
748 1.0

Surface Forms

first-aid kit singular

Morphology

first-aid + kit

The meaning is directly derivable from the parts: 'first-aid' = immediate/initial medical help (first + aid) and 'kit' = a set of supplies, so a 'first-aid kit' is clearly a set of supplies for emergency medical help. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows regular English compounding, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should understand the MWE.

Etymology

First-aid kit comes from the simple idea of giving help right away: first means 'right away', aid means 'help', and kit means a small box of supplies. So a first-aid kit is a box or bag with bandages and medicine used to give quick 'medical' help in an emergency.