jailer

noun

jail·​er ˈjā-lər How to pronounce jailer (audio)
variants or less commonly jailor
1
: a keeper of a jail
2
: one that restricts another's liberty as if by imprisonment

Examples of jailer 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.
The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, and two jailers face murder charges. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025 His hunting license could also be suspended, although the charges don’t carry potential jail time for the one-time jailer. Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025 The two men were first noticed missing at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday and ICE jailers connected their disappearance to a power outage that happened at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. David K. Li, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025 Moreno is the jailer shown on the video kneeling on Johnson’s back, and Garcia was a supervisor. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jailer

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jailer was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jailer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jailer. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

jailer

noun
jail·​er
variants or jailor
: a keeper of a jail

Legal Definition

jailer

noun
jail·​er
: a keeper of a jail

More from Merriam-Webster on jailer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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