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

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.
In 2024, the number of ER visits rose to 5,285 and inpatient admissions climbed to 1,578, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Benz-Bushling 41, and his wife Misty Benz-Bushling, 39, of Stephensville, Michigan, rushed Johnathan to the emergency room, and then later took him to Forest View Hospital, an inpatient behavioral health facility in Grand Rapids that had room in its pediatric psychiatry unit. Kate Snow, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 Her family noted in Monday’s statement that her medical team is preparing to transfer her from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation program. Max Rego, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025 Outpatient services at the neighboring hospital were suspended and around 3,500 inpatients were evacuated, per the Post. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inpatient was in 1760

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Cite this Entry

“Inpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inpatient. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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