English dictionary
penitentiary
adjectivePronunciation
ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi
Parts of speech
Definitions
adjective
- showing or constituting penance
adjective
- used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
noun
- a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
Example sentences
penitential tears
wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
penitentiary institutions
