behind bars

VERB

serving jail time

Synonyms

WEAK

confined imprisoned in jail in prison incarcerated jailed put away serving time under lock and key

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.

It was while behind bars that Traci says she felt a calling to set up a construction company on her release.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

A British woman detained in Iran has given a stark account of her life behind bars.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Kornev’s tragedy is that, while he may not be behind bars, he can’t see the prison he’s trapped in.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

He spent more than a year behind bars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

While I have always enjoyed gardening, it was not until I was behind bars that I was able to tend my own garden.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela