inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: 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

For example, prosecutors allege Hodges billed for housing for a client who was at an inpatient program and couldn’t receive any services at the time. — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Bernstein remained inpatient for several more days but received no further neurological consultation, the suit claims. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

In recent years, a number of community hospitals across the country have closed their inpatient pediatric units, often citing low numbers of patients. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

At the time, Charisma was working as an inpatient therapist at the facility. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inpatient

• impatient
• outpatient
• patient

Kids Definition

inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Medical Definition

inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient