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

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

Fifteen of its mayors are now behind bars.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

For others, it is a catastrophic failure by the Prison Service as he should be spending the full sentence - life with a minimum term of 40 years - behind bars.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

I’m glad Emma is comfortable talking to me, but I don’t like to think about her dad living behind bars.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller