inpatient

American  

[in-pay-shuhnt] / ˈɪnˌpeɪ ʃənt /

noun

1. a patient who stays in a hospital while receiving medical care or treatment.

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inpatient British  

/ ˈɪnˌpeɪʃənt /

noun

1. a hospital patient who occupies a bed for at least one night in the course of treatment, examination, or observation Compare outpatient

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Usage

What does inpatient mean? Inpatient is commonly used as an adjective to describe treatment that requires a patient to be admitted to a hospital or other care facility for at least one night. Inpatient is used in contrast with the term outpatient, which describes treatment that does not require a patient to stay overnight. The terms are especially used in phrases like inpatient treatment (which requires the patient to stay overnight at the hospital), inpatient room (where such patients stay), and outpatient procedure (after which the patient can leave, instead of staying for further observation or treatment). Both terms can also be used as nouns referring to such patients. Inpatient is typically used in the context of hospitals, but it can also refer to a patient of a mental health facility or other kinds of clinics. Example: This type of surgery requires inpatient care—typically consisting of a one-week hospital stay.

Etymology

Origin of inpatient

First recorded in 1750–60; in- ¹ + patient

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inpatient

Meanwhile, Medicare Hospital Insurance, or Part A, which covers inpatient stays, is estimated to face insolvency in 2033 — in seven years — at which point only 89% of benefits would be paid.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

It is already being rolled out across all inpatient wards.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

In the most recent fiscal year, he said, Medi-Cal patients comprised 26% of 336,600 inpatient days and 34% of 156,000 emergency department visits.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

Since the crash Woods has travelled outside the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient facility, reportedly in Switzerland.

From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026

A network of hospitals provides inpatient treatment and specialized diagnostic and clinical facilities.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Violeta D. Baluyut