noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

outpatient

OWT-payshnt

Outpatient (noun) means a patient who is treated at a hospital or clinic but does not stay overnight. Example: “He had his surgery as an outpatient and went home the same day.”

noun

A patient who is treated at a hospital or clinic but does not stay overnight.

"He had his surgery as an outpatient and went home the same day."

"The clinic sees hundreds of outpatients every week."

adj

Relating to treatment that doesn't require an overnight hospital stay.

"She attends outpatient therapy twice a week."

How to use outpatient

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA patient (or type of care) that doesn't involve staying overnight in hospital.

Easily confused with

inpatient →

Common pairings

outpatient clinic outpatient surgery outpatient treatment

Word forms

outpatients plural

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He had his surgery as an _____ and went home the same day.

Rhymes for outpatient

client orient ancient patient salient ambient lenient quotient obedient nutrient gradient sentient

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Frequently asked questions

What does “outpatient” mean?

The word “outpatient” means a patient who is treated at a hospital or clinic but does not stay overnight. In plain terms, a patient (or type of care) that doesn't involve staying overnight in hospital.

How do you pronounce “outpatient”?

“Outpatient” is pronounced OWT-payshnt (/ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃ(ə)nt/ in IPA).

How do you use “outpatient” in a sentence?

Here is “outpatient” used in a sentence: “He had his surgery as an outpatient and went home the same day.”

What part of speech is “outpatient”?

Depending on how it is used, “outpatient” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “outpatient” a common word?

“Outpatient” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “outpatient” have?

“Outpatient” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a patient who is treated at a hospital or clinic but does not stay overnight.