Definition of jailbirdnext
as in prisoner
a person convicted as a criminal and serving a prison sentence had spent most of his sorry life as a jailbird in hoosegows across the South

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of jailbird But these jailbirds aren’t using their own fingers to fire off missives or create clones. Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 And these seven crooked cops are just the tip of the MSP jailbird iceberg. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026 At no point has the jailbird shown contrition for her crimes. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 Her jumpsuit is a couture twist on the cartoonish striped getup of a jailbird. Jemal Polson, CNN Money, 8 May 2025 Becomes a jailbird at a high-security zoo after he’s caught, with the newest Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl, finding Feathers, all these years later, hell-bent on getting even with the duo who locked him up. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jailbird
Noun
  • The Supreme Court last denied an Alabama prisoner’s request to halt his nitrogen execution in October.
    Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 10 June 2026
  • Six volunteers certified for no less than three years apiece through Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, will be recruited to ensure the Idaho Department of Correction is ready to comply with a state law that prioritizes shooting prisoners to death over lethal injection starting July 1.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The execution method, which involves strapping a respirator onto the inmate's face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen, has been criticized by opponents as inhumane and torturous.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
  • Since then, the state has executed six other inmates with the method, and Louisiana has used it once.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • In ten episodes of this comedy series, viewers will learn how to make a vibrator out of a toothbrush and a crossbow out of a coat hanger alongside young first-time convict David Broulík.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 June 2026
  • The 10-episode series sees Javier Bardem stepping into the role of convict Max Cady, who is released from prison after 17 years and out for revenge on the happily married attorneys (Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson) who put him behind bars.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Earlier this year its school board was mixed on doing so and discussed the pros and cons of the program during a board meeting in January.
    Samuel O’Neal June 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
  • What are the cons of investing in gold?
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jailbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jailbird. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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