inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: 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
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.
Lowdon further explained that a change of judge does not result in a change of venue and that any out of county judges brought on the case would also rely on the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department for security and inmate transport. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025 He was moved to the new location after he was stabbed by a fellow inmate at a different state prison in Tehachapi in May. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025 Sierra Hernandez, Delgado said, offered inmates $20,000 in commissary — and increased the bounty to $100,000 days later. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025 Additionally, the lawsuit alleges Sheriff’s deputies failed to properly search and screen for contraband in the jail, and failed to observe and supervise inmates. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inmate

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inmate was in 1609

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Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)

More from Merriam-Webster on inmate

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