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
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The clashes extended a weekend protest over conditions for detainees in the facility, prompted by an apparent hunger strike undertaken by the detainees themselves. Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 The military police were responsible for the running of military prisons, supervising the transfer of detainees and maintaining their records. Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026 Democratic lawmakers who have been allowed inside said detainees are facing inhumane conditions. Nick Caloway, CBS News, 26 May 2026 The mission is also working on developing temporary detainee holding facilities to ensure rapid transfers to Haitian authorities. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Detainee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainee. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

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

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