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
Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
If convicted, the punishment is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Ron Wood, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Oh no, that’s punishable by up to three years in prison.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prison 
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Noun
Jay Johnston was sentenced on October 28 to one year and one day in prison for his involvement in January 6.
—Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
If convicted, the punishment is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Ron Wood, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Oh no, that’s punishable by up to three years in prison.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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