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Definition of inpatient

inpatient

/ˈɪnˌpeɪ.ʃənt/
in · pa · tient
Plural:inpatients
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inpatient Lexical Profile

inpatient Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, performed on, or designed for patients who are admitted to stay overnight in a hospital or medical facility.

Example

"The new wing of the clinic offers specialized inpatient rehabilitation for stroke survivors."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for inpatient

• noun

1

A patient who is formally admitted to a hospital or medical facility and stays there overnight or for an extended period while receiving treatment.

Example

"Following her complex knee surgery, she remained at the hospital as an inpatient for four days."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for inpatient

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'inpatient' (a person staying in a hospital for medical treatment) with the near-homophone 'impatient' (feeling restless, annoyed, or eager because of a delay).

• Nearby Words

inordinately
inorganic
inorganically
inpatient
input
inquest
inquire

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 18th century, formed in English by combining the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'within') with 'patient' (from Latin 'patiens', meaning 'suffering'), originally designating a person housed and fed within a charitable hospital.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inpatient. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inpatient
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