prison

1 of 2

noun

pris·​on ˈpri-zᵊn How to pronounce prison (audio)
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

prison

2 of 2

verb

prisoned; prisoning; prisons

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
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.
Noun
Since his detention, Mangione has seen supporters donate thousands of dollars for his defense fund, gifts sent to his prison, and letters showing support and asking for his response. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 In filings Monday, government officials acknowledged the administrative mistake that sent Garcia to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 The report captured images inside of a prison cell that showed clear markings on the walls of an American. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Sign up for the 12:30 Report newsletter That includes a recent ruling from U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocking the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans to a prison in El Salvador. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prison

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prehension-, prehensio act of seizing, from prehendere to seize — more at get

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prison was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Prison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prison. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

prison

noun
pris·​on
ˈpriz-ᵊn
1
: a state of confinement or captivity
2
: a place where criminals or prisoners are locked up

Legal Definition

prison

noun
pris·​on
: an institution usually under state control for confinement of persons serving sentences for serious crimes compare house of correction, house of detention, jail, lockup, penitentiary

More from Merriam-Webster on prison

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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