The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word INMATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
N
M
A
T
E
S
More clues leading to the result INMATES
- One’s crossing northern China — and lags
- Prisoners recollected its name
- Patients or prisoners at home with friends
- After cooking, it means they’re serving
- I am sent unruly prisoners
- Cons favoured friends
- Batting partners make reluctant guests!
- People locked up at home with friends
- One man wrongly set up prisoners
- Friends in bars discussed people behind bars
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Prisoners" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case prisoners = inmates.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INMATES mean?
INMATES noun- A person confined to an institution such as a prison (as a convict) or hospital (as a patient).
- A person who shares a residence, such as a lodger, a hotel guest, or a student living on campus.