penology

noun

pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological adjective
penologist noun

Examples of penology 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.
Built to house tens of thousands, these facilities are described by the government as models of modern penology. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 This is one of the most successful outcomes known to contemporary penology. Barry Latzer, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Greek poinē penalty + English -logy — more at pain entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penology was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Penology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penology. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

penology

noun
pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
plural penologies
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological adjective

Legal Definition

penology

noun
pe·​nol·​o·​gy pi-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce penology (audio)
: a branch of criminology dealing with prison management and the treatment of offenders
penological adjective
penologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on penology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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