1
: a state of confinement or captivity
2
: a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers
specifically
: an institution (such as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes compare jail
Examples of prison in a Sentence
Noun
The state plans to build two more prisons.
He was in prison at the time.
If caught, they're all going to prison.
She was sent to prison for robbery.
He was released from prison.
He's scheduled to get out of prison next month.
Her marriage became a prison to her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
All charges are felonies, and each carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of three years due to the use of a firearm.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Does the government really want to keep so many political prisoners, many of whom are sick, in prison?
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Willie Cochran was sentenced to one year in prison in 2019 for using his ward charity fund like his personal piggy bank, including to pay for gambling trips, fancy meals and accessories for his Mercedes.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prison
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Noun
What To Know Shannon McShane was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to influencing a public servant, perjury, and retaliation against a witness or victim.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
All charges are felonies, and each carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of three years due to the use of a firearm.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Does the government really want to keep so many political prisoners, many of whom are sick, in prison?
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Willie Cochran was sentenced to one year in prison in 2019 for using his ward charity fund like his personal piggy bank, including to pay for gambling trips, fancy meals and accessories for his Mercedes.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prison
Cite this Entry
“Prison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prison. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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