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
Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024
The most significant charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, the DOJ said in a press release.
—April Rubin, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024
Spector was eventually convicted of second-degree murder in a 2009 retrial and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.
—The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024
Finally, there is a conspiracy charge, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
—Gregory Krieg, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prison 
Noun
Later that same month, a Kentucky man was sentenced to more than six years in prison for trying to kill a 14-year-old N.J. boy.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024
The most significant charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, the DOJ said in a press release.
—April Rubin, Axios, 27 Sep. 2024
Spector was eventually convicted of second-degree murder in a 2009 retrial and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.
—The Arizona Republic, 27 Sep. 2024
Finally, there is a conspiracy charge, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
—Gregory Krieg, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prison
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prison.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prison
Cite this Entry
“Prison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prison. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
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