inpatient

American  

[in-pey-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

"We are prioritising those facilities, including the assessment of the structural safety, emergency department capacities, operating theatres, inpatient beds, blood supply, and oxygen," he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

"I would not work on an inpatient ward ever again," Willetts said.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

The California Assn. of Public Hospitals and Health Systems is requesting a one-time general fund payment in the 2026-27 budget to help cover inpatient care for fee-for-service Medi-Cal patients at the state’s 17 public hospitals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Requests for these facilities were denied at far higher rates: 65% on average across all the insurers for long-term care hospitals, and 54% for inpatient rehab.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

But seeing that the young man heeded him not, he muttered an inpatient "Teremtette!" between his teeth, and then, plucking at his master's dress, he continued— "Have you no orders to give me, Master Otmar?"

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 370, August 1846 by Various