a hospital patient who occupies a bed for at least one night in the course of treatment, examination, or observation
Compare outpatient
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
in•pa•tient
(in′pā′shənt),USA pronunciation n.
- a patient who stays in a hospital while receiving medical care or treatment.
- in-1 + patient 1750–60
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