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.

The Hillsborough County state attorney’s office had argued for Arnold to remain behind bars until trial.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Under the deal, he’ll pay a $2.25 million fine and face up to five years behind bars.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2026

But the Viasna rights group counts 852 political prisoners still behind bars Belarus.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Jeffrey Donaldson has spent his first night behind bars in Maghaberry Prison.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

‘To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.’

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien