outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
Synonyms of outpatientnext
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.
Specialists often operate across multiple systems—hospital EHRs, outpatient platforms, imaging systems, and payer portals. — Andrew Pecora, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The doctor ordered further lab tests, an MRI of the lumbar spine, and an outpatient EMG. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Patel was in jail without bail until he was released in 2024 to complete a mental health outpatient treatment program. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 The 45,000-square-foot campus will have 100 inpatient beds and an outpatient hub with follow-up support. — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 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

Rhymes for outpatient

See All Rhymes for outpatient

Browse Nearby Words

outpass
outpatient
outpayment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpatient. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outpatient

Nglish: Translation of outpatient for Spanish Speakers

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