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A state or country's penal code defines its crimes and describes its punishments. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many countries established penal colonies, where criminals were sent as punishment. Often these were unbearably severe; but it was to such colonies that some of Australia's and the United States' early white inhabitants came, and the convicts provided labor for the European settlement of these lands.
Synonyms
Examples of penal in a Sentence
Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 20 June 2024
Both charges of abuse of residents of penal facilities and misconduct in public office are class I felonies, which carry a maximum potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison and two years of extended supervision.
—Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 13 June 2024
New York's penal law limits prison sentences for Class-E felonies to four years, and probation officials will prepare a report with a recommendation for Trump's sentence, which Merchan can consider when weighing the nature and circumstances of the crime along with Trump's history and character.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 June 2024
Tanner Leopold, 27, a correctional sergeant, faces one count of abuse of residents of penal facilities.
—Vanessa Swales, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for penal 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Penal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
penal
adjective
Legal Definition
penal
adjective
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