outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of outpatientnext
: 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
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.
The bill proposes raising reimbursement rates for OB/GYN services, primary care, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment to align with Medicare or average commercial rates. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2025 The outpatient program focuses on identifying the deeper issues that may lead young people toward substance use disorders. Nicole Nielsen, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025 The King announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February last year after undergoing a prostate procedure, and has since been receiving regular outpatient treatment. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025 Several outpatient services, including orthopedic, spinal, and other procedures, now require prior authorization, and those requests will be supported by AI tools operated by private contractors. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outpatient was in 1715

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpatient. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun
out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

More from Merriam-Webster on outpatient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!