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
But Hoover will remain in prison, serving a 200-year sentence for his state court conviction for murder. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025 After a guilty plea, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 He was convicted again about a decade later and sentenced to more time in prison. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025 Savannah took to social media to document their road trip, where fans got a glimpse of Todd after his prison release. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 30 May 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 3 Jun. 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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