jailbird

noun

ˈjāl-ˌbərd How to pronounce jailbird (audio)
Definition of jailbirdnext
as in prisoner
a person convicted as a criminal and serving a prison sentence had spent most of his sorry life as a jailbird in hoosegows across the South

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 jailbird But these jailbirds aren’t using their own fingers to fire off missives or create clones. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 And these seven crooked cops are just the tip of the MSP jailbird iceberg. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026 At no point has the jailbird shown contrition for her crimes. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025 Becomes a jailbird at a high-security zoo after he’s caught, with the newest Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl, finding Feathers, all these years later, hell-bent on getting even with the duo who locked him up. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jailbird
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jailbird
  1. prisoner
  2. inmate
  3. convict
  4. con
Noun
  • This was discontinued when SOE chiefs realized that a dagger would be the first thing taken from a prisoner.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • West Virginia was one of a few states – alongside Maryland and Texas – to receive these excess urban prisoners.
    — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of prisoner
Noun
  • In his request for additional funding, Soptic said not funding more sheriff’s office personnel at this point could present serious safety concerns, including for inmates and deputies at the county’s jail.
    — Sofi Zeman August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Like all inmates awaiting execution, Duncan remained in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.
    — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of inmate
Noun
  • Back in April 2025, the country singer guest starred on CBS’ Fire Country, playing a healthcare worker and former convict.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The show, which follows an ex-convict who seeks revenge on the lawyer who represented him, stars Javier Bardem, Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson, and is produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
Definition of convict
Noun
  • Materials, pros, cons and best uses Our editors independently choose our recommendations.
    — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Objectively speaking, hand-washing high-end cookware is more of a given than a con.
    — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of con

Browse Nearby Words

jail
jailbird
jailbirds
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Cite this Entry

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

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