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

There was no immediate need to offer commutations to save the lives of the inmates. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

The law allowed inmates to seek resentencing to remove certain sentencing enhancements. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Florida's latest execution matched last year's state record total of 19 inmates put to death in a single year. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The 32-year-old Democrat, who represents Grandview, remained in Cole County Jail on Thursday morning, according to an online directory of inmates. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 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)