inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
Synonyms of inmatenext
: any of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a prison or hospital)

Examples of inmate 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.
Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 During that time, communication with family is often limited, personal property may be delayed, and inmates face the uncertainty of adapting to an entirely new institution. Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The defendant, arrested on the day of the murder, remained in Wilkes County Jail on Tuesday, according to a third-party inmate information service used by the county. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 July 2026 In response to the incident, county leaders approved $3 million in emergency funding for medical services to better support the nearly 1,200 inmates housed in the facility. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inmate

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inmate was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a member of a group living in a single residence
especially : a person kept in an institution (as a hospital or prison)

Medical Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: one of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a psychiatric hospital) especially for a long time

Legal Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)

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