inmate

American  

[in-meyt] / ˈɪnˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person who is confined in a prison, hospital, etc.

2. Archaic. a person who dwells with others in the same house.

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inmate British  

/ ˈɪnˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person who is confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital See also resident

2. obsolete a person who lives with others in a house

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Etymology

Origin of inmate

First recorded in 1580–90; in- ¹ + mate ¹

Compare meaning

How does inmate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• inmate vs. prisoner

Example Sentences

Preparations include transferring some adult inmates to other facilities, building classrooms and remodelling cells.

From Barron's

As he reflected on his encounter with Orme on his return to Wales, Williams said he would continue to write to the inmate, in spite of the criticism.

From BBC

Ortiz was arraigned on Tuesday and is being held in a Los Angeles jail on bail of over $1.8 million, according to county inmate records and prosecutors.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Fridays, I meet with prison inmates for literacy instruction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Catherine Besteman, a professor at Colby College, writes that “a significant Mellon grant to the University of Maine at Augusta” helped provide internet access for inmates in Maine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• convict
• prisoner