English Reference
Noun

outpatient

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈaʊtˌpeɪʃənt/ UK /aʊtpˈeɪʃənt/ out·pa·tient UK spelling outpatients

n.a person who goes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay there overnight. You visit the doctor or get a test and then go home the same day.

n.a patient who receives medical treatment at a hospital or clinic without being admitted for an overnight stay.


SIMPLE

The hospital treated her as an outpatient for her broken arm.

CONTEXTUAL

Most minor surgeries are now performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

COMPLEX

The new wing of the medical center is dedicated entirely to outpatient services, streamlining the process for those requiring diagnostic imaging or physical therapy without hospitalisation.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun ('outpatient clinic', 'outpatient surgery').

This is because they only cover urgent care in public hospitals not, routine or private outpatient MRIs.

The Local· 13 Aug 2026

On Thursday, the Southern Trust said that 143 outpatient appointments had been rescheduled, as had 11 surgeries.

BBC News· 25 Jun 2026

From out- + patient.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated