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
If Beebe successfully completes the program, he could be released on probation.
—
Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
He was also enrolled in a three-month drunk driving course and will remain on probation for three years.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
He was sentenced to 182 days in jail and placed on probation, according to prosecutors.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
Lewis was charged with one count of armed robbery and is currently on probation after pleading guilty to larceny in May.
—Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 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.
Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2025
He was also enrolled in a three-month drunk driving course and will remain on probation for three years.
—Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
He was sentenced to 182 days in jail and placed on probation, according to prosecutors.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
Lewis was charged with one count of armed robbery and is currently on probation after pleading guilty to larceny in May.
—Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 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 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share