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
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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
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1336 in English
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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: "The cold stone walls of the prison had stood for over a century." (which translates as "prison").
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