detainee
noun
de·tain·ee
di-ˌtā-ˈnē 
ˌdē-
: a person held in custody especially for political reasons
Examples of detainee in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many of the findings in the report match what several former detainees told CNN in late July, days after being released from Cecot and repatriated to Venezuela.
—
Rocio Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Human Rights Watch and Cristosal noted that some of the CECOT detainees who were later returned to Venezuela reported visits from government intelligence agents attempting to coerce statements about their treatment in the United States.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
The lawsuit filed on behalf of the detainees aims to verify how many of people detained amid the crackdown are criminals and were lawfully arrested.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025
Intended to house detainees for the short-term, no more than 72 hours, prior to deportation.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025
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Rocio Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
Human Rights Watch and Cristosal noted that some of the CECOT detainees who were later returned to Venezuela reported visits from government intelligence agents attempting to coerce statements about their treatment in the United States.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
The lawsuit filed on behalf of the detainees aims to verify how many of people detained amid the crackdown are criminals and were lawfully arrested.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025
Intended to house detainees for the short-term, no more than 72 hours, prior to deportation.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detainee
Cite this Entry
“Detainee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainee. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
detainee
noun
de·tain·ee
di-ˌtā-ˈnē
: a person who is detained
especially
: a person held in custody prior to trial or hearing
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