inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: any of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a prison or hospital)

Examples of inmate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Few inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn are given laptops. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025 According to the police report obtained by TMZ, texts between her and the Florida inmate revealed the pair had discussed their plot to kill Aaron. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025 Federal Bureau of Prisons statistics show only 9.8% of the more than 44,000 federal inmates released under the law have been arrested and convicted again. Taylor Millard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025 An Indiana inmate is still missing after walking away from his work crew, and local police have urged residents to lock their doors. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inmate

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inmate was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a member of a group living in a single residence
especially : a person kept in an institution (as a hospital or prison)

Medical Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: one of a group occupying a single place of residence
especially : a person confined (as in a psychiatric hospital) especially for a long time

Legal Definition

inmate

noun
in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)

More from Merriam-Webster on inmate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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