outpatient
noun
out·pa·tient
ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 
often attributive
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient
Examples of outpatient in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, also has physician practices, urgent care centers and outpatient centers across South Florida, including in Broward County.
—
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
In total, Cataldi’s practice billed the government for over 1,800 balloon sinuplasty procedures — an outpatient procedure used to treat chronic sinus infections.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Relapse rates were significantly lower among those who remained in inpatient care for a longer duration or who transitioned to outpatient treatment following short-term inpatient treatment.
—Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
The House committee members heard about New York’s assisted outpatient commitment program, which is funded by its state legislature and treats people for up to a year.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outpatient
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Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
In total, Cataldi’s practice billed the government for over 1,800 balloon sinuplasty procedures — an outpatient procedure used to treat chronic sinus infections.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Relapse rates were significantly lower among those who remained in inpatient care for a longer duration or who transitioned to outpatient treatment following short-term inpatient treatment.
—Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
The House committee members heard about New York’s assisted outpatient commitment program, which is funded by its state legislature and treats people for up to a year.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outpatient
Cite this Entry
“Outpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpatient. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
outpatient
noun
out·pa·tient
ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt
: a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight compare inpatient
Medical Definition
outpatient
noun
out·pa·tient
ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient
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