hoosegow

noun

ˈhüs-ˌgau̇ How to pronounce hoosegow (audio)
Definition of hoosegownext
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody they ended up in the hoosegow for disorderly conduct

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hoosegow Every day at the high security hoosegow holds the possibility of turmoil and violence. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025 Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Carved from granite cliffs overlooking the Colorado River, Yuma Prison was the Old West’s most notorious hoosegow, garnering a fearsome reputation. — Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025 In prison, there are Keene’s encounters with a real-life mob boss and a manipulative guard to add tension, and just enough mayhem to remind you that this is no ordinary hoosegow. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2022 Most famously, in 1968 Johnny Cash serenaded state inmates at the max-security Folsom Prison in California, later turning the hoosegow act into a live album titled At Folsom Prison. — Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2019 Carved from a granite cliff overlooking the Colorado River, this was America’s most notorious 19th century hoosegow. — Roger Naylor, azcentral, 4 Oct. 2019 And Blankenship has charged that Manchin, who was governor at the time of the mine explosion, conspired with Barack Obama (not a popular figure in West Virginia) to send him to the hoosegow. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, 20 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoosegow
  1. jail
  2. prison
  3. penitentiary
Noun
  • Matus’ death took place at the height of the fentanyl epidemic in 2022, when Riverside County jails experienced close to 100 inmate drug overdoses, seven of which resulted in death, according to court documents.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In 2025, a Kentucky man was killed after he was hit 27 times with a GLOVE by jail employees, on top of 13 jabs from a taser, which ultimately sent him into cardiac arrest.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of jail
Noun
  • Adan Osman Salat, 23, was sentenced to two years fixed and a possible 15 years on probation or in prison by 3rd District Judge Gabriel McCarthy, according to online court records and audio obtained by the Idaho Statesman.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
  • When the brothers arrived in court two days later, the jewel tones were ditched, and each wore a drab tan prison jumpsuit.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of prison
Noun
  • Now locked up in a state penitentiary near San Diego on unrelated charges, Knight hasn't changed his tune.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • One of her clients has gone MIA from the state penitentiary – but how can a man go missing in prison?
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of penitentiary

Browse Nearby Words

hooray
hoosegow
hoosegows
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Cite this Entry

“Hoosegow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoosegow. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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