B1nouncrimelaw
US/dʒeɪl/
UK/dʒeɪl/
a place where people are kept as punishment for a crime or while waiting for trial
In context
The driver was sent to jail for causing a fatal accident while drunk.
He spent two years in jail for stealing cars.
The judge gave her a fine instead of a jail sentence.
Words that go with jail
verb + preposition
- go to jailIf you sell fake medicine, you could go to jail.
- release from jailShe was released from jail last week.
- send to jailThe court decided to send him to jail for fraud.
noun + preposition
- in jailHe is still in jail waiting for his trial.
noun + noun
- jail sentenceThe thief received a six-month jail sentence.
verb + noun
- spend time in jailHe spent time in jail when he was young.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He went to the jail for two years.Correct: He went to jail for two years.