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
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
Inpatient and outpatient care remained closed on Monday, except for mammography.
—Paul Burton, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
There will also be outpatient services to treat addiction and mental health.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for outpatient
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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
Inpatient and outpatient care remained closed on Monday, except for mammography.
—Paul Burton, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
There will also be outpatient services to treat addiction and mental health.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 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 16 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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