penitentiary

[US]/ˌpenɪ'tenʃ(ə)rɪ/
[UK]/ˌpɛnɪ'tɛnʃəri/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. prison
adj. used for punishment or reformation

Example Sentences

If forced to choose between the penitentiary and the White House for four years, I would say the penitentiary, thank you.

He was sentenced to a long term in the penitentiary for his crimes.

The penitentiary is overcrowded with inmates.

Visitors are not allowed to bring any contraband into the penitentiary.

The penitentiary houses both violent and non-violent offenders.

He spent several years in the penitentiary before being released on parole.

The penitentiary has strict rules and regulations for both inmates and staff.

She works as a counselor at the penitentiary, helping inmates with rehabilitation.

The penitentiary is located in a remote area, far away from residential neighborhoods.

Inmates are given vocational training opportunities while in the penitentiary.

The penitentiary has a high security level to prevent escapes and violence.

Real-world Examples

You know my husband Orson from the state penitentiary?

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 6

To escape her marriage...- Lamar Benjamin? You know my husband Orson from the state penitentiary.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 6

Willie was sent off to the penitentiary'.

Source: The heart is a lonely hunter.

Escaped from penitentiary through political influence.

Source: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: New Cases (Volume 1)

" You mean to say that the penitentiary system ought to be perfected" ?

Source: Resurrection

It was a penitentiary offense to own one.

Source: No Country for Old Men

You know my husband Orson from the state penitentiary.

Source: Desperate Housewives Video Edition Season 6

Schwab put up the money to save this man from going to the penitentiary.

Source: The virtues of human nature.

They say the order for the attack came from gang leaders arrested at the notorious Pedrinhas penitentiary where 60 inmates died last year.

Source: BBC Listening January 2014 Collection

This coming from a eight-toed guy locked away in a penitentiary.

Source: Prison Break Season 1

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