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
Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025
But men who had no criminal convictions, and sometimes only had one pending misdemeanor charge, were in ICE detention, not in any county jails or state prisons.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 Nov. 2025
If eventually tried and convicted as charged, Boodarian could face the death penalty or a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prison
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Noun
The 18 bank and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025
But men who had no criminal convictions, and sometimes only had one pending misdemeanor charge, were in ICE detention, not in any county jails or state prisons.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 Nov. 2025
If eventually tried and convicted as charged, Boodarian could face the death penalty or a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2025.
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