1
: a situation or period of time in which a person who is starting a new job is tested and watched to see if that person is able to do the job properly
As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.
There is a three-month probation (period) for new employees.
2
law
: a situation or period of time in which a person who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of prison if that person behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.
He hoped that the judge would grant him probation.
He was sentenced to one year's probation.
He was sent back to prison for violating his probation.
She was arrested while on probation.
3
US
: a situation or period of time in which a person who has made a serious mistake or done something bad is watched and must behave well in order not to be seriously punished
Instead of firing her, they put/placed her on probation.
The student was placed on probation for copying test answers.
Cite this Entry
“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/probation. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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