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.
Following the Easter 2019 incident, Kay took part in outpatient rehab. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 The program at the facility lasts 90 days, after which patients go to the second part of the Wisconsin Community Services program, called Unlimited Potential — an outpatient clinic to access therapy and other services. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025 There have been similar incidents with McConnell in the past, including an injury from a fall in 2023 that resulted in a prolonged absence from the Senate as he was hospitalized and required outpatient rehabilitation. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 Additionally, the controversial mogul has to enroll in an outpatient treatment program for drug abuse and mental health issues. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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