-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
chain gang
noun
plural chain gangs
: a group of people (such as convicts) chained together especially as an outside working party
Examples of chain gang in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Inmates are sentenced to time behind bars, not forced labor, a vestige of chain gangs and slavery.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
In a chain gang sequence, Robeson is shot from low angle, full frame, head-to-toe, bare-chested, in striped pants, in leg irons, hammering rocks with a sledgehammer, radiating an energy that cannot be shackled.
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024
The league likes the drama of a chain gang stretching to measure for that first down.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2023
Jim Harbaugh meanwhile was on the sidelines at a youth football game in the chain gang.
—Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2023
See all Example Sentences for chain gang
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1813, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near chain gang
Cite this Entry
“Chain gang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20gang. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Legal Definition
chain gang
noun
: a group of convicts chained together especially to work outside a prison
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share