inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt 

: 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

The issue of allowing transgender inmates to serve their sentences in facilities that correspond to their gender identities has been more politically fraught for Democrats. —Lia Russell march 13, Sacbee.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Released in 2025, Diouf now volunteers to help female inmates in Senegal. —Ricci Shryock, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026

Jalloh's lawyers requested a 6½-year prison sentence and placement in a facility with residential drug treatment for inmates with addiction and substance abuse issues. —Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026

The American Civil Liberties Union and federal public defenders said inmates’ rights had been violated and there were stabbings, suicides and even one homicide. —Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inmate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt 

: 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 

: 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 

: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)