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
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
Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 June 2025
Both face felony charges and over six years in prison.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
Most recently, under a new law in Tennessee, local officials who vote to adopt sanctuary policies could face up to six years in prison.
—Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Edward Burke to only two years in prison for a series of shakedowns.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prison
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Sherry had been in and out of prison for years, while Juan had battled chronic illness.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 June 2025
Both face felony charges and over six years in prison.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
Most recently, under a new law in Tennessee, local officials who vote to adopt sanctuary policies could face up to six years in prison.
—Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Edward Burke to only two years in prison for a series of shakedowns.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prison
Cite this Entry
“Prison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prison. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
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