penitentiary
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for penitentiary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state or federal prison, especially one for people convicted of serious crimes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin pēnitentiārius, "place of penitence" — the word was adopted by Quakers in colonial Pennsylvania to describe a place where offenders could reflect on their wrongdoing.
Full origin of penitentiary →Frequently asked questions
What does “penitentiary” mean?
The word “penitentiary” means a state or federal prison, especially one for people convicted of serious crimes. In plain terms, a formal word for prison, usually one for serious offenders.
How do you pronounce “penitentiary”?
“Penitentiary” is pronounced peh-nih-TEHN-shuh-ree (/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “penitentiary” in a sentence?
Here is “penitentiary” used in a sentence: “He was sentenced to ten years in the state penitentiary.”
What part of speech is “penitentiary”?
Depending on how it is used, “penitentiary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “penitentiary” come from?
The word “penitentiary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin pēnitentiārius, "place of penitence" — the word was adopted by Quakers in colonial Pennsylvania to describe a place where offenders could reflect on their wrongdoing.
Is “penitentiary” a common word?
“Penitentiary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “penitentiary” have?
“Penitentiary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state or federal prison, especially one for people convicted of serious crimes.