workhouse

[ wurk-hous ]

noun

, plural work·hous·es [wurk, -hou-ziz].

1. a house of correction.
2. British. (formerly) a poorhouse in which paupers were given work.
3. Obsolete. a workshop.

workhouse

/ ˈwɜːkˌhaʊs /

noun

1. (formerly in England) an institution maintained at public expense where able-bodied paupers did unpaid work in return for food and accommodation
2. (in the US) a prison for petty offenders serving short sentences at manual labour

Word History and Origins

Origin of workhouse¹

before 1100; Middle English werkhous, Old English weorchūs workshop. See work, house

Example Sentences

The workhouse site became the location for Nottingham City Hospital and the chapel remained open for workers and patients, closing when a new one was opened.

From BBC

The answer is simple: It’s a workhouse and is needed,” Mr Loranger said.

From Washington Times

He was sentenced to serve his time in a workhouse, a county-run correctional facility separate from the main jail that houses offenders who have a year or less to serve.

From Seattle Times

Though the orphan boys at the workhouse are beaten regularly and fed only gruel, the sign looming above them reads “God Is Love.”

From New York Times

Under the plea deal, Cummings, a 14-year police veteran, could serve up to one year in the county workhouse and three to five years of probation.

From Seattle Times