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.
The police report for Victoria Goodwin's arrest reportedly contains messages between her and the inmate, according to the outlets. Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 The inmate, identified as Grant Amato, has been serving a life sentence after being convicted of first-degree murder in 2019 for the fatal shootings of his father, mother and brother at their suburban Orlando home. Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025 As the party responsible for our detention facilities and inmates, Sheriff Martinez has every right to use the laws available to that position as most benefits our residents. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Deputies arrived to find the inmate on the floor of the cell and tried to revive him, deputies said. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inmate. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on inmate

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