inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: 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

There's often a critical gap between inpatient and outpatient care. — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Novant Health services and NC state approval process Services at the center will include a 24-hour emergency department, a range of inpatient and outpatient care, and a dedicated C-section operating room. — Chase Jordan august 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

Emergency patients may wait for inpatient beds, nurses become overloaded and surgeries are delayed. — Eugene Litvak, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

However, both Tufts and psychiatrist Alia Goodheart -- who treated Clancy during a brief inpatient stay -- told jurors on Friday that Clancy did not show signs of psychosis during their sessions. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inpatient

• impatient
• outpatient
• patient

Kids Definition

inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient

Medical Definition

inpatient

noun

in·​pa·​tient ˈin-ˌpā-shənt 

: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment compare outpatient