jailer

Everyday

A person whose job is to look after the prisoners in a jail and keep them locked in. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history lessons the jailer holds the keys, brings food and guards the cells. In The Wind in the Willows Toad is locked in a dungeon, and the gaoler's daughter, who feels sorry for him, helps him escape dressed as a washerwoman. Today the job is called «prison officer» or «correctional officer» (USA).

Examples

• The jailer turned the big iron key in the lock. tree →
• Toad escaped with the help of the gaoler's daughter. tree →
• The jailer brought the prisoners bread and water. tree →
• In the Bible, Paul and Silas sang in prison and the jailer listened. tree →
• Today a jailer is usually called a prison officer. tree →
• The jailer fell asleep, and the hero crept out. tree →

Note

«Gaoler» is the old British spelling and is said exactly like «jailer». Also spelled «jailor». Do not confuse with «jail» (the place) and «jailbird» (a prisoner, informal).