penology

noun

pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological
ˌpē-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce penology (audio)
adjective
penologist
pi-ˈnä-lə-jist How to pronounce penology (audio)
noun

Examples of penology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is one of the most successful outcomes known to contemporary penology. — Barry Latzer, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Greek poinē penalty + English -logy — more at pain entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penology was in 1838

Rhymes for penology

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Browse Nearby Words

penocorrectional
penology
penon
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Cite this Entry

“Penology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penology. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

penology

noun
pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
plural penologies
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological
ˌpē-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce penology (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

penology

noun
pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological
ˌpē-nə-ˈläj-ə-kəl How to pronounce penology (audio)
adjective
penologist
pi-ˈnä-lə-jist How to pronounce penology (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on penology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about penology

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