inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt 

: 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

The brothers have founded a long list of prison programs, with Erik starting at least five, including a support group for disabled and elderly inmates. —Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 13 May 2025

Other duties include providing leadership, training and support to ensure inmates receive proper dental care. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025

Hochman's predecessor, George Gascón, has praised them for furthering their education, rehabilitating themselves and starting programs to help other inmates. —Alex Stone, ABC News, 9 May 2025

Wainwright, 54, is scheduled to be the sixth inmate executed this year in Florida. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inmate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt 

: 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 

: 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 

: a person confined in an institution (as a prison or hospital)