work-release

American

[wurk-ri-lees] / ˈwɜrk rɪˌlis /

adjective

of or relating to a program under which prisoners may work outside of prison while serving their sentences.

Etymology

Origin of work-release

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He served 13 months in a county jail but was allowed to go to his office six days a week on a work-release program.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in jail, mostly served on a work-release program that allowed him to leave jail daily.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Laws in some states spell it out clearly: Prisoners aren’t classified as employees, whether they’re working inside correctional facilities or for outside businesses through prison contracts or work-release programs.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

In some states, work-release programs are run on the local level, with sheriffs frequently responsible for handling the books and awarding contracts.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

Postconviction fees include pre-sentence report fees, public defender recoupment fees, and fees levied on people convicted of crimes and placed in a residential or work-release program.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023