jail

Everyday

1. A jail is a building where people are locked up as punishment for crimes or while waiting for trial. tree →
2. To jail someone is to put them in jail. tree →
3. (informal) Any place that feels like you cannot leave. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories, news and games («Go to jail» in Monopoly). Phrases: «in jail», «go to jail», «jail time», «jailed for». It tells the reader someone is being punished or held.

Examples

• The thief was sent to jail. tree →
• In the board game, you land on «Go to jail». tree →
• He was jailed for stealing cars. tree →
• The old jail is now a museum. tree →
• The prisoners escaped from jail. tree →
• Being stuck indoors all day felt like jail. tree →
• He tried to protest, but the two officers clapped their paws on his mouth and hustled him away to jail. tree →

Note

UK also spells it «gaol» (old-fashioned), same sound. Similar: «prison». No article in «go to jail», «in jail». Jailer = the guard.