plural laogai
: the penal system of China consisting of a network of labor camps
also
: such a labor camp
Examples of laogai in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That diluted Western opposition to the party’s retention of an iron grip on political power or the existence of the laogai — gulag — to which political and religious dissidents were sent.
—
Jonathan S. Tobin, National Review, 23 July 2019
Instead, there is torture, a sham trial, and a gulag (called laogai).
—Nr Editors, National Review, 20 June 2019
Jonathan S. Tobin, National Review, 23 July 2019
Instead, there is torture, a sham trial, and a gulag (called laogai).
—Nr Editors, National Review, 20 June 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laogai.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Chinese (Beijing) láogǎi reform through labor, short for láodòng gǎizào, from láodòng work, labor + gǎizào transform, reform
First Known Use
1983, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near laogai
Cite this Entry
“Laogai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laogai. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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