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.

Judge Mrs Justice Lambert told the pair they would serve 40% of the sentence behind bars, with the remainder being served on licence in the community.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

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

The judge sentenced him to 33 months behind bars, but a federal appeals court in December ordered Hankison freed while it reviews his case, nodding to Keenan’s arguments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 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

I also know he feels ashamed to meet people he knows he will not tell them he was behind bars.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote