detainee

noun

de·​tain·​ee di-ˌtā-ˈnē How to pronounce detainee (audio)
ˌdē-
Synonyms of detaineenext
: a person held in custody especially for political reasons

Examples of detainee 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.
Food was sometimes served partially frozen, and detainees reported finding worms in meals. — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Since the facility opened, detainees and their families have complained of mistreatment and torture. — Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 In April, Mamdani announced detainees with complicated medical needs will be transferred to Bellevue Hospital in Kips Bay. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 29 June 2026 The state also created a $250 million grant program for law enforcement agencies and jails seeking new equipment and bonuses for its officers working on immigration enforcement and detainee transport. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detainee

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detainee was circa 1928

Rhymes for detainee

See All Rhymes for detainee

Browse Nearby Words

detain
detainee
detainer
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Cite this Entry

“Detainee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainee. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

detainee

noun
de·​tain·​ee di-ˌtā-ˈnē How to pronounce detainee (audio)
: a person who is detained
especially : a person held in custody prior to trial or hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on detainee

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for detainee

Nglish: Translation of detainee for Spanish Speakers

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