inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: any of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a prison or hospital)

Examples of inmate 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.
According to a prison menu obtained by PEOPLE, Combs and the other inmates at MDC will eat a normal, rotating Monday meal, which will consist of fruit, cereal, skim milk and a breakfast cake to start their day. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 May 2025 The inmates escaped in the early morning hours of May 16. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Authorities arrested Trevon Williams on Friday in connection with the inmates’ escape. Ryan Young, CNN Money, 24 May 2025 The other inmates recaptured are Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis and Gary Price. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inmate

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inmate was in 1609

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Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a member of a group living in a single residence
especially : a person kept in an institution (as a hospital or prison)

Medical Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: one of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a psychiatric hospital) especially for a long time

Legal Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)

More from Merriam-Webster on inmate

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