noun / adjective

penitentiary

pen-ih-TEN-shuh-ree/ˌpenɪˈtenʃəri/

A prison for people convicted of serious crimes.

The penitentiary stands behind a high wall and secure gatehouse.

An isolated secure prison building has barred windows, a secure gatehouse and a high perimeter wall; no inmates or demographic assumptions.

Etymology

Originally meaning “of penance,” penitentiary came to describe a house of correction. The prison sense reflects the aim of reforming offenders as well as punishing them.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers2:42

John huberman traitor was sentenced to 20 years in the federal penitentiary

Lux Radio Theatre - Notorious

More examples

He was transferred to a state penitentiary.
The report compared conditions in two penitentiaries.
The penitentiary system faced an official review.

Forms

penitentiary · penitentiaries

Similar words

prison: Prison is the broader common term.
jail: A jail often holds people awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences.