jailhouse

[ jeyl-hous ]

noun

, plural jail·hous·es [jeyl, -hou-ziz].

1. a jail or building used as a jail.

jailhouse

/ ˈdʒeɪlˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a jail; prison

Word History and Origins

Origin of jailhouse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; jail + house

Example Sentences

He has steadfastly maintained his innocence, noting in his jailhouse letter to the press that U.S. investigators were unable to find “a single peso-dollar” worth of bribe money in his bank accounts.

From Los Angeles Times

A jailhouse informant and Williams’ then-girlfriend told authorities he had confessed to the crime.

From Los Angeles Times

The jailhouse informant testified that Williams had boasted about killing Gayle.

From Salon

She abandoned her stance on jailhouse balloting the very next day.

From Los Angeles Times

Espino was similarly convicted off his own jailhouse comments, after he spoke to his mother on recorded phone calls about the attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cell
• lockup
• penitentiary
• prison