inpatient

noun

Definition of inpatientnext
as in outpatient
a person who stays for one or more nights in a hospital for medical treatment
—often used before another noun inpatient surgery It was inpatient treatment that required a lengthy hospital stay.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inpatient Antibiotics, along with some inpatient support, would likely have restored Washington’s health. — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 30 June 2026 Woods has traveled outside of the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, according to court records. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 Woods was granted permission April 1 to travel out of the country to enter an inpatient treatment center, which was reportedly in Zurich, Switzerland. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 From 2011 to 2023, the number of hospitals with inpatient psychiatric units dropped significantly, according to a 2025 study. — Helen Santoro, Denver Post, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inpatient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inpatient
  1. outpatient
  2. patient
Noun
  • Cherokee Nation plans to open a residential and intensive outpatient treatment center in Tahlequah, where the tribe is headquartered.
    — Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The facility will feature academic learning spaces and outpatient services, including same-day surgery and diagnostic imaging.
    — Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of outpatient
Noun
  • Maintenance inhalers are either long-acting airway dilators or anti-inflammatory medications like steroids that patients should take daily.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Since then, South Florida patients have lost access to therapies that were working.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of patient

Browse Nearby Words

in passing
inpatient
inpatients
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Cite this Entry

“Inpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inpatient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inpatient

Nglish: Translation of inpatient for Spanish Speakers

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