outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

often attributive

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

Examples of outpatient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The outpatient receptionist calls my name at the front desk for the day’s intake. — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

The facilities are seen as an increasingly attractive investment as more procedures migrate into outpatient settings under payment changes in Medicare and as commercial insurers steer their members to the lower-cost facilities. — Tara Bannow, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026

Someone who needs to begin physical therapy shortly after surgery may have different priorities from someone recovering from a minor outpatient procedure. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026

Kaiser Permanente marked the latest progress Tuesday, when the health system broke ground on a 187,000-square-foot outpatient facility along Iron Point Road, expected to open in May 2030. — Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outpatient

• impatient
• inpatient
• patient

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight compare inpatient

Medical Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient