noun
detainee
dih-tay-NEE
Detainee (noun) means a person held in official custody, especially without being formally charged with a crime. Example: “The detainees were held at the facility for months awaiting trial.”
noun
1
A person held in official custody, especially without being formally charged with a crime.
"The detainees were held at the facility for months awaiting trial."
How to use detainee
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone being held in custody.
Common pairings
a detainee's rights
former detainee
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Word forms
- Plural
- detainees
Fill the gap
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The _____ were held at the facility for months awaiting trial.
Etymology
From detain + -ee, the suffix used for the person something is done to.
Synonyms
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political detainee
Rhymes for detainee
See all rhymes for detainee →Frequently asked questions
What does “detainee” mean?
The word “detainee” means a person held in official custody, especially without being formally charged with a crime. In plain terms, someone being held in custody.
How do you pronounce “detainee”?
“Detainee” is pronounced dih-tay-NEE (/ˌdɪteɪˈniː/ in IPA).
How do you use “detainee” in a sentence?
Here is “detainee” used in a sentence: “The detainees were held at the facility for months awaiting trial.”
What part of speech is “detainee”?
“Detainee” is a noun.
