English dictionary

penitentiary

adjective

Pronunciation

ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi

Parts of speech

Definitions

adjective

  1. showing or constituting penance

adjective

  1. used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers

noun

  1. a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes

Example sentences

penitential tears
wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
penitentiary institutions

Synonyms

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