house of correction

noun phrase

: a penal institution for persons convicted of a minor offense and considered capable of reformation

Examples of house of correction 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.
Octavio Nares admitted to possession with intent to distribute cocaine in January 2019 and was sentenced to more than two years in the house of correction with 18 months to serve, prosecutors said. Adam Sennott, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Apr. 2023 Columbo was sentenced on Dec. 20 to two years and six months in a house of correction. Tonya Alanez, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of house of correction was circa 1576

Dictionary Entries Near house of correction

Cite this Entry

“House of correction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/house%20of%20correction. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

house of correction

: an institution where persons who have committed minor offenses and who are considered capable of reformation are confined compare house of detention, jail, lockup, penitentiary, prison
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