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

The museum has about 20 permanent exhibits, including one focused on the Kentucky State Reformatory, designed by both inmates and staff, and one honoring Oldham County residents who sacrificed their lives during World War II. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Mar. 2026

Kovacich’s parole hearing came amid heightened scrutiny of California’s early release programs for inmates. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Until the 1950s, its inmates were Vietnamese revolutionaries – or anyone deemed to be such – and conditions were truly horrendous. —Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

Zeigler has been on Florida’s death row longer than any other inmate. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 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)