on probation
idiom
1
: being tested and watched at a new job to see if one is able to do the job properly
As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.
2
: being allowed to stay out of prison after committing a crime if one behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.
She was arrested while on probation.
3
: being watched for a period of time during which one must behave well in order not to be seriously punished after having made a serious mistake or done something bad
He was on probation for cheating.
The student was put/placed on probation for copying test answers.
Examples of on probation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sentences Sprague was given a 30-day jail sentence, with 30 days suspended, placed on probation for four years, and was ordered to complete 20 hours of community service and an animal rehabiliation program.
—
Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
The former pastor will serve the six months in jail in Osage County, Oklahoma, and then serve the remainder of the sentence on probation in Texas.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
The outlets added that Flores is on probation from a 2023 conviction involving a gun and DUI, which bars him from possessing firearms or drinking alcohol.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors cited unusable breathalyzer evidence and Pennington's good behavior on probation as reasons for the withdrawal.
—Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
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.
Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
The former pastor will serve the six months in jail in Osage County, Oklahoma, and then serve the remainder of the sentence on probation in Texas.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
The outlets added that Flores is on probation from a 2023 conviction involving a gun and DUI, which bars him from possessing firearms or drinking alcohol.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Prosecutors cited unusable breathalyzer evidence and Pennington's good behavior on probation as reasons for the withdrawal.
—Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on probation
Cite this Entry
“On probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20probation. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share