jailbird

noun

ˈjāl-ˌbərd How to pronounce jailbird (audio)
Definition of jailbirdnext
as in prisoner
a person convicted as a criminal and serving a prison sentence had spent most of his sorry life as a jailbird in hoosegows across the South

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of jailbird But these jailbirds aren’t using their own fingers to fire off missives or create clones. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 And these seven crooked cops are just the tip of the MSP jailbird iceberg. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026 At no point has the jailbird shown contrition for her crimes. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 Becomes a jailbird at a high-security zoo after he’s caught, with the newest Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl, finding Feathers, all these years later, hell-bent on getting even with the duo who locked him up. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jailbird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jailbird
  1. prisoner
  2. inmate
  3. convict
  4. con
Noun
  • Archival television interviews feature soundbites of Odeh expressing sympathy for the terrorists’ demands that Israel release Palestinian prisoners — although those broadcasts ignored the fact that Odeh had actually condemned the hijacking.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • From the very start, the students assigned as guards went on cruel power trips and repeatedly humiliated — if not psychologically tortured — the inmates, to the point that some of the prisoners suffered nervous breakdowns.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of prisoner
Noun
  • Other proposals would increase the opportunity for inmates to earn good behavior and vocational training, also good ideas.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Lombardo has also accused Ford of being weak on crime, citing, in particular, the case of a Nevada inmate convicted of manslaughter in the killing of a pregnant woman.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of inmate
Noun
  • Buchanan, 72, had been incarcerated since 2004 for kidnapping a convict who was harassing a corrupt prison guard.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • After a career spent playing convicts and criminals, the opportunity was appealing to Trejo.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of convict
Noun
  • Thankfully, dishwasher-safe options with materials like glass, silicone, and stainless steel have all the convenience and none of the cons.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Pros & cons 5% cash back rewards on category of choice each month for Chime Prime™ members.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of con

Browse Nearby Words

jail
jailbird
jailbirds
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Cite this Entry

“Jailbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jailbird. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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