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
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
In 2019, spending on the ten most expensive Medicare outpatient procedures from 2009 had risen by less than the general rate of inflation, yet overall outpatient spending grew 19 percent in real terms.
—Chris Pope, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Local media reported that some provincial hospitals have canceled surgeries and outpatient transfers.
—Philip Wang, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outpatient
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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
In 2019, spending on the ten most expensive Medicare outpatient procedures from 2009 had risen by less than the general rate of inflation, yet overall outpatient spending grew 19 percent in real terms.
—Chris Pope, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
Local media reported that some provincial hospitals have canceled surgeries and outpatient transfers.
—Philip Wang, Time, 9 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 19 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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