1
: a state of confinement or captivity
2
: a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers
specifically
: an institution (such as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes compare jail
Synonyms
Noun
Examples of prison in a Sentence
Noun
The state plans to build two more prisons.
He was in prison at the time.
If caught, they're all going to prison.
She was sent to prison for robbery.
He was released from prison.
He's scheduled to get out of prison next month.
Her marriage became a prison to her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
She could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
In 1956, Reich was charged with contempt for violating the injunction and sentenced to two years in prison.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 8 Dec. 2024
Two others involved in the scheme, one living in Nebraska, and the other in California, were sentenced to roughly two years in prison for their roles.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prison 
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Noun
Most were ordered to pay a fine and received probation or a few months in prison.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
She could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
In 1956, Reich was charged with contempt for violating the injunction and sentenced to two years in prison.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 8 Dec. 2024
Two others involved in the scheme, one living in Nebraska, and the other in California, were sentenced to roughly two years in prison for their roles.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prison
Dictionary Entries Near prison
Cite this Entry
“Prison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prison. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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