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.
He was subsequently released in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic permitted compassionate release for some inmates with health conditions, but was arrested on October 29 for failing drug tests and traveling without his probation officer’s okay. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 Currently, service dogs must share inmate showers, raising sanitary issues. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Moore's lawyers asked Republican Gov. Henry McMaster to reduce his sentence to life in prison without parole because of his spotless prison record and willingness to be a mentor to other inmates. Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Claim about 'transgender operations' in prisons, jails Trump's campaign has seized on Harris' past comments affirming her support for transgender inmates to receive care. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near inmate

Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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