inmate

noun

in·​mate ˈin-ˌmāt How to pronounce inmate (audio)
Synonyms of inmatenext
: 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.
Thousands of concentration camp inmates were also subjected to the practice. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Chavez contacted an inmate at the prison who worked for Buchanan. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 About half of the inmates are never identified by name onscreen and aren’t featured in talking-head interviews. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 Under the new rules, the Bureau of Prisons will also no longer provide any social accommodations, such as breast padding, binders, wigs and makeup, to inmates with gender dysphoria. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for inmate

See All Rhymes for inmate

Browse Nearby Words

inmarry
inmate
inmeats
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Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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)

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