: 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
On-site clinicians, rapid assessments, suicide prevention protocols, and alternatives to isolation help reduce assaults on staff and self-harm by inmates.
—
Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
The bill would also require the Department of Corrections to verify someone’s claims of residency, employment and criminal record before the inmate could be released on bail.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
In one call, a person told dispatch that an inmate was being treated and IDOC officers were escorting him.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
Drawing on lessons from trips to Norway, prison officials are emphasizing more relationship-building among staff and other changes, including improving bedding and furniture to be more comfortable and attractive for inmates.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inmate
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Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
The bill would also require the Department of Corrections to verify someone’s claims of residency, employment and criminal record before the inmate could be released on bail.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
In one call, a person told dispatch that an inmate was being treated and IDOC officers were escorting him.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2026
Drawing on lessons from trips to Norway, prison officials are emphasizing more relationship-building among staff and other changes, including improving bedding and furniture to be more comfortable and attractive for inmates.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inmate
Cite this Entry
“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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