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.

He spent 71 days behind bars after his nine-month sentence was reduced on appeal.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The 86-year-old disbarred lawyer, once the most prominent trial attorney in California, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of wire fraud last year.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

She was sentenced to nine years in prison, but after Polis’ commutation, Peters is expected to be released on June 1, having served less than two years behind bars for her crimes.

From Slate • May 21, 2026

Some jurors teared up over the possibility of the young men spending decades behind bars.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Union members photographed her behind bars and put the picture on postcards.

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell