A2noun 1K

Prison

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈprɪzn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈprɪzn/"]/

Meaning of Prison

a building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime they have committed, or while they are waiting for trial

In simple words: A place where people are kept when they break the law.

Prison in a sentence

• He was sentenced to five years in prison for theft.
• She visited her friend in prison every month.
• The prison was built in the 1800s and is now a museum.
• After the trial, the judge decided to send him to prison.
• He drew a picture of a prison to express his feelings of being trapped.

How to use Prison

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for discussions about law, crime, or punishment. Avoid using in light-hearted contexts or jokes.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'prison' as a 'prisoner-in'.

Related words

Collocations with Prison

• local
• federal
• overcrowded
• go to
• put somebody in
• send somebody to
• sentence
• term
• cell
• at a/​the prison
• in (a/​the) prison
• local
• federal
• overcrowded
• go to
• put somebody in
• send somebody to
• sentence
• term
• cell
• at a/​the prison
• in (a/​the) prison

Synonyms for Prison

• jail

Opposites of Prison

• freedom
• liberty

Common mistakes with Prison

• 'Prisoner' is not the same as 'prison' - one is a person, the other is a place.
• Confusing 'jail' vs 'prison'. Jail is for short-term holding; prison is for long-term sentences.
• Using 'prisons' as a singular term incorrectly when referring to a single location.

Frequently asked questions about Prison

What does Prison mean?

A place where people are kept when they break the law.

What is the definition of Prison?

a building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime they have committed, or while they are waiting for trial

How do you use Prison in a sentence?

He was sentenced to five years in prison for theft.

Can you give another example of Prison?

She visited her friend in prison every month.

What are synonyms for Prison?

Common alternatives include jail.

What is the opposite of Prison?

Opposite meanings include freedom, liberty.

What words go with Prison?

It commonly pairs with local, federal, overcrowded, go to, put somebody in, send somebody to, sentence, term, cell, at a/​the prison, in (a/​the) prison, local, federal, overcrowded, go to, put somebody in, send somebody to, sentence, term, cell, at a/​the prison, in (a/​the) prison.

What are common mistakes when using Prison?

'Prisoner' is not the same as 'prison' - one is a person, the other is a place. Confusing 'jail' vs 'prison'. Jail is for short-term holding; prison is for long-term sentences. Using 'prisons' as a singular term incorrectly when referring to a single location.

How do you pronounce Prison?

US: /["/ˈprɪzn/"]/, UK: /["/ˈprɪzn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Prison?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable for discussions about law, crime, or punishment. Avoid using in light-hearted contexts or jokes.

What CEFR level is Prison?

"Prison" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.