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.

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

From BBC • May 25, 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

The difference shapes how much time Sharifullah could spend behind bars — the more serious charge was eligible for a life sentence.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

By the end of 2007, more than 7 million Americans—or one in every 31 adults—were behind bars, on probation, or on parole.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander