behind bars

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.

Activists who have spent several years behind bars in Cuba say being imprisoned for so long leaves a permanent scar.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Prekoski argued for Peterson to sentence his client to between 14 and 20 years behind bars, saying that the maximum prison term likely would mean O’Connor would die “in a cage.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

The money, in their view, not only has to make up for mounting legal fees, but lost income, tainted reputations, fractured families, and years spent behind bars.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

However, more than 400 are still behind bars, according to pressure group Foro Penal.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

I don’t like seeing all those animals and birds and fish behind bars and glass just so a lot of people can stare at them.

From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel