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.

“By virtue of its power, it has kept me behind bars for five years, and they could extend my confinement without justification.”

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 relief I feel knowing that he will remain behind bars is hard to put into words," the wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson wrote on X.

From BBC • May 24, 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

Or maybe the Fjerdan just wants us behind bars before he rats us out.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo