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

The ad featured Harris talking about her past efforts to provide access to care for transitioning inmates in California prisons.

From Los Angeles Times

They say that he has sought to avoid federal detection by using three-way calls and other inmates’ phone access codes.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Combs was also accused of using the phone accounts of at least eight other inmates to make calls, which is against prison regulations; and of "directing others" to orchestrate payment for this access.

From BBC

Also part of the criminal accountability message was the voters’ rejection of Proposition 6, which would have banned prisons from forcing inmates to work.

From Los Angeles Times

DuVernay and supportive lawmakers have argued that the phrase allowing slavery as a punishment for a crime permits prisons to force inmates to perform labor, many for as little as several cents an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convict
• prisoner