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

Lundgren was being held without bond in county jail, according to inmate records. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 22 July 2026

Smith-Howell is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center, according to the jail’s inmate listing. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Her bond was listed at $2,500 per count, according to inmate records viewed by PEOPLE. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

The Jewish community had supported the creation of a synagogue in part because of fears that Jewish inmates, who had previously prayed in the prison’s hospital, would be converted while inside. — Stephen Silver, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 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)