inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
Synonyms of inpatientnext
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Examples of inpatient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across Illinois and the nation, hospitals have been closing inpatient pediatric units and shuttering high-acuity Level 1 facilities as reimbursement declines. — Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 On New Year’s Day in 2023, Lindsay checked herself into an inpatient program at McLean Hospital. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 He was allowed to participate in training camp after attending an inpatient clinic near Vail for more than a month. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Replace Unity Health Newport's aging 33,000-square-foot roof to protect medical equipment and IT systems and maintain emergency, inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, and specialty services. — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inpatient was in 1738

Rhymes for inpatient

See All Rhymes for inpatient

Browse Nearby Words

in patches
inpatient
in patrimonio
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Cite this Entry

“Inpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inpatient. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inpatient

noun
in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Medical Definition

inpatient

noun
in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

More from Merriam-Webster on inpatient

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