1
: enduring pains or trials calmly or without complaint
They were patient in adversity.
2
: acting with calm or restraint under provocation or strain
was patient with the angry customer
3
: not hasty or impetuous : showing deliberation or restraint
… called for the historic divisions … to be healed through patient dialogue.—Christopher Lamb
4
: able to persevere over a long period of time despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
worked with patient attention to detail
5
a
: able or willing to bear
—used with of
… he was … patient of minor shortcomings …—Mark Twain
b
: susceptible, admitting
patient of one interpretation
1
a
: an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment
cancer patients
psychiatric patients
b
: the recipient of any of various personal services
… the massages and other treatments associated with being a patient at the spa here.—Alan Cowell
2
: one that is acted upon
… are agents as well as patients and observers in the world …—C. H. Whiteley
Cite this Entry
“Patient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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