outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
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
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.
Under one bill, private equity could hold only a minority role in the outpatient setting, an arrangement which would require a management agreement with medical groups. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025 Solving the problem meant creating a $62 million facility that put as much as possible under one roof — from urgent care to inpatient beds and outpatient treatment options. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 The hospital closed in early March because of financial difficulties, though its detoxification facility and outpatient clinic remained open. Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 12 May 2025 Following her weeks-long inpatient stay at Walter Reed, Heather transferred to an inpatient and outpatient program in Texas, geared toward trauma and PTSD. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outpatient was in 1715

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpatient. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun
out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

More from Merriam-Webster on outpatient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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