Word of the Day: Jail
A “jail” is a place where people go if they are suspected of, or guilty of, breaking the law.
Jails in the United States are usually connected to a police station or a courthouse, but there are many larger jails where criminals go before or after a trial.
A jail is not the same thing as a prison. Prisons are used for long-term punishment; a jail is usually used for a short or temporary stay.
- A person who goes to jail is called a prisoner or an inmate. A person who is in prison wears a prison uniform.
- Before a trial to determine guilt or innocence, a person in jail is called a suspect or a detainee.
- The room where people live (in jail) is called a cell. This is a jail cell.
- Prisoners are watched by guards or police officers.
- Instead of saying a person is in jail or in prison, you can also say “behind bars.”
He’s behind bars for stealing a car.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with J page to see the list of all words starting with letter J. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
