Definition and meaning of English word "prison"
prison
/ˈprɪzən/
Meaning
NounA place or institution where people are held against their will, in the US especially for long-term confinement, as of those convicted of serious crimes or otherwise considered undesirable by the government.
How to use
The term 'prison' refers to a place for long-term confinement of people convicted of serious crimes. It is often used interchangeably with 'jail', although 'jail' typically refers to shorter-term confinement. A common learner mistake is confusing 'prison' with 'jail'.
🇬🇧 English
prison
Example
The cold stone walls of the prison had stood for over a century.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- go to prison— to be sent to prison
- prison sentence— a period of time spent in prison
- prison reform— changes to improve the prison system
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1336 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "prison" mean?▼
The English word "prison" means "prison" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "prison"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "prison" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "prison"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Let's discuss the word prison." (which translates as "prison").
More Law & Society words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →