patient

1 of 2

adjective

pa·​tient ˈpā-shənt 

1

: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

2

: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain

3

: not hasty or impetuous

4

: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

5

a

: able or willing to bear

—used with of

b

: susceptible, admitting

patient of one interpretation

patient

2 of 2

noun

pa·​tient ˈpā-shənt 

1

a

: an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment

cancer patients

psychiatric patients

b

: the recipient of any of various personal services

2

: one that is acted upon

are agents as well as patients and observers in the world

—C. H. Whiteley

Synonyms

Adjective

• forbearing
• long-suffering
• stoic
• stoical
• tolerant
• uncomplaining

Noun

• case

Examples of patient in a Sentence

Adjective

To pry apart violent Islamic radicals, the United States has to become knowledgeable about internal cleavages and be patient in exploiting them. —Samantha Power, New York Times Book Review, 29 July 2007

I pack them into the compartment for a visit, pack till it's full far beyond capacity and weep with them, share with them my scanty bit of good fortune, tell them I care, tell them be patient, tell them I'm on their side … —John Edgar Wideman, Harper's, December 2003

There's no sense being patient with people who make you wait, because they'll only make you wait longer the next time. —Andrew A. Rooney, And More by Andy Rooney, (1979) 1982

I hate having to stand in long lines. I'm just not very patient.

The teacher treated her students in a patient and understanding way.

“Aren't you finished yet?” “Be patient. I'll be done soon.”

Proofreading requires patient attention to detail.

They put in years of patient labor on the project.

Noun

Several patients were waiting to see the doctor.

the nurse asked the patient to change into a paper gown

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

DoorDash customers are asked to be patient during winter and turn on their outdoor lights to help out the delivery drivers. —Renee Umsted, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025

What still isn’t known Our research does not clarify whether the changes in dispensing patterns led to measurable changes in patient outcomes. —Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

Our program, in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal public health system in the country, is addressing these challenges by training the next generation of nurse practitioners to advocate for their patients and communities, while also providing hands-on care. —Ann Marie P. Mauro, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025

The company is launching a new scheduling model in about 200 locations in January to improve the in-store experience for customers, patients and employees. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English pacient, from Anglo-French, from Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati to suffer; perhaps akin to Greek pēma suffering

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing patient

• index patient
• patient dumping
• patient zero
• private patient

Kids Definition

patient

1 of 2 adjective

pa·​tient ˈpā-shənt 

1

: putting up with pains or hardships calmly or without complaint

2

: showing calm self-control

3

: not hasty or reckless

4

: steadfast sense 2, persevering

years of patient labor

patiently adverb

patient

2 of 2 noun

: an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment

Medical Definition

patient

noun

pa·​tient ˈpā-shənt 

1

: a sick individual especially when awaiting or under the care and treatment of a physician or surgeon

the hospital is equipped to handle 500 patients

2

: a client for medical service (as of a physician or dentist)

a good practice with a large number of patients