penalty box

[ pen-l-tee boks ]

noun

1. Ice Hockey. an enclosed space adjacent to the rink for penalized players, the penalty timekeeper, the game timekeeper, and the official scorer:

   Prior to 1963, there was only one penalty box in each of the six NHL arenas.

2. a temporary punishment: When we send our son to the penalty box, he knows to go straight to his room.

   I can’t go because I’ve been sent to the penalty box for missing another curfew.

   When we send our son to the penalty box, he knows to go straight to his room.

3. a chastisement or humiliation:

   If you dare voice an opposing opinion at these meetings, you end up in the penalty box.

penalty box

noun

1. soccer another name for penalty area
2. ice hockey a bench for players serving time penalties

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty box¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The walls are in play — and are frequently used to make passes that avoid defenders — while a blue card from the referee means two minutes in the penalty box, leaving one team to play shorthanded.

From Los Angeles Times

Paul Rothrock, who subbed on in the 87th minute, made a challenge inches outside the penalty box that earned him a yellow card.

From Seattle Times

He received a pass from teammate Leo Chu left of the penalty box, tapping it forward to get before his defender and not hesitating to hook a right-footed shot into the back of the net.

From Seattle Times

Last Sunday’s scoreless draw included 19 total attempts and five on frame, the most agonizing of which was a Leo Chu shot from the penalty box that buzzed above the bar.

From Seattle Times

The clear look from in the middle of the penalty box flew high and wide of goal.

From Seattle Times