reformatory

1 of 2

adjective

re·​for·​ma·​to·​ry ri-ˈfȯr-mə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce reformatory (audio)
Synonyms of reformatorynext
: reformative

reformatory

2 of 2

noun

plural reformatories
: a penal institution to which especially young or first offenders are committed for training and reformation

Synonyms of reformatory

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Adjective

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Examples of reformatory in a Sentence

Adjective the belief that manual labor was a reformatory experience for convicted felons, who would learn the value of hard work
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Benevolent, the latest work from playwright Sophie McIntosh (Macbitches), tells the story of four young women at Inwood’s Benevolent Home—a reformatory house for fallen and friendless girls—in 1917. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026 Like Manson, Arguelles also went to an all-boys military reformatory school in Pasadena, Calif. — Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Noun
The novel follow six girls at the Home of the Good Shepherd laundry and Catholic reformatory in the 1960s. — Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Only this second chance runs through youth reformatories and eventually the California State Prison – outside life is but a pipe dream. — Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reformatory

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1589, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reformatory was in 1589

Rhymes for reformatory

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Browse Nearby Words

reformative
reformatory
reformed
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Cite this Entry

“Reformatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reformatory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reformatory

1 of 2 adjective
re·​for·​ma·​to·​ry ri-ˈfȯr-mə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce reformatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: reformative

reformatory

2 of 2 noun
plural reformatories
: an institution for reforming usually young or female criminals or those in jail for the first time

Legal Definition

reformatory

noun
re·​for·​ma·​to·​ry
ri-ˈfȯr-mə-ˌtōr-ē
plural reformatories
: a penal institution to which especially young or first offenders are committed for training and reformation

More from Merriam-Webster on reformatory

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reformatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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