inmate

[in-meyt]

noun

1. a person who is confined in a prison, hospital, etc.

2. Archaic.,  a person who dwells with others in the same house.

inmate

/ ˈɪnˌmeɪt /

noun

1. a person who is confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital See also resident

2. obsolete,  a person who lives with others in a house

Word History and Origins

Origin of inmate¹

First recorded in 1580–90; in- ¹ + mate ¹

Example Sentences

She describes being strip searched, served "nearly inedible" food and how inmates who refuse to eat are threatened with "solitary confinement".

From BBC

He said the rules for testing prisoners' suitability for graduated release should be tightened as the prison service said most inmates do stick to the terms of day release.

From BBC

But once inmates are released, accessing this kind of treatment becomes even more difficult, experts say.

From BBC

The BBC spoke to the families of two inmates who were moved in the past month, who say that their loved ones disappeared into the system when they were at their most vulnerable.

From BBC

Some states still ban inmates from almost all technology, leaving students to get by with textbooks and paper assignments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convict 
• prisoner