death row

noun

: a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death
usually used with on
prisoners waiting on death row

Examples of death row 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.
Nine inmates on death row have filed a lawsuit saying the state's new lethal injection protocol brings the risk of a painful death. Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 While the decision means Escobar will remain on death row, his execution is not imminent. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Idaho only has nine people on death row, relatively small compared to other states. Nbc News, NBC news, 2 July 2025 Jordan was the state's longest-serving death row inmate when executed, according to the MDOC. Bailey Richards, People.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for death row

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of death row was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Death row.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20row. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

death row

noun
: a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death
death row adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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