noun
jailbird
Jailbird (noun) means someone who has been, or currently is, in jail — usually said of a repeat offender. Example: “The neighbors all knew he was a jailbird before he moved to town.”
noun
1
Someone who has been, or currently is, in jail — usually said of a repeat offender.
"The neighbors all knew he was a jailbird before he moved to town."
How to use jailbird
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, slightly mocking word for a convict or ex-convict.
When to use it
Informal and a bit derogatory — avoid in formal or legal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- jailbirds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighbors all knew he was a _____ before he moved to town.
Etymology
A blend of "jail" and "bird" dating to around 1600, on the same pattern as the older "gallows bird" (someone destined for the gallows).
Class of 1600
jailbird joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
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gaolbird
jail bird
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “jailbird” mean?
The word “jailbird” means someone who has been, or currently is, in jail — usually said of a repeat offender. In plain terms, an informal, slightly mocking word for a convict or ex-convict.
How do you use “jailbird” in a sentence?
Here is “jailbird” used in a sentence: “The neighbors all knew he was a jailbird before he moved to town.”
What part of speech is “jailbird”?
“Jailbird” is a noun.
Where does the word “jailbird” come from?
The word “jailbird” dates back to around 1600. A blend of "jail" and "bird" dating to around 1600, on the same pattern as the older "gallows bird" (someone destined for the gallows).
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