inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Examples of inpatient 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 state-of-the-art facility will have 234 new inpatient rooms once the structure is complete, according to Good Samaritan. George Avalos, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 Others may not be adjudged to need inpatient treatment, but still need significant support along the road to recovery. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Lovato was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while receiving inpatient treatment for emotional and physical issues in 2010. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 The day after her 30th birthday in 2012, Rimes entered a 30-day inpatient treatment facility for issues related to anxiety, stress and emotional exhaustion. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inpatient was in 1738

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inpatient. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

inpatient

noun
in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Medical Definition

inpatient

noun
in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce inpatient (audio)
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

More from Merriam-Webster on inpatient

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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