outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

often attributive

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

Examples of outpatient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration shows that annual 340B outpatient drug purchases reached a record $100 billion in 2025, marking a 23% increase from 2024. — Christina Smith, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Many outpatient psychiatrists and therapists don’t take insurance. — Meg Leduc, STAT, 23 Sep. 2026

Penn Medicine said signs are displayed outside hospitals and some outpatient offices requesting certain individuals to call for guidance before entering, including those who are not vaccinated or have measles symptoms. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

In 2023, more than 24,000 people received care through the country’s specialized public outpatient system. — Karyn Sporer, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outpatient

• impatient
• inpatient
• patient

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight compare inpatient

Medical Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient