: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders

Examples of penology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

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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.

Medical Definition

penology

noun
plural penologies
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders

Legal Definition

penology

noun
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders

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