What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jailhouse
Example
He spent the night in the jailhouse after being arrested for public intoxication. [jailhouse: noun]
Example
The movie portrayed the gritty reality of life inside the jailhouse. [jailhouse: adjective]
prison
Example
He was sentenced to ten years in prison for his crimes. [prison: noun]
Example
The documentary explored the flaws and injustices of the prison system. [prison: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prison is more commonly used than jailhouse in everyday language, as it is a more formal and widely recognized term. Jailhouse is more informal and may be used in specific contexts, such as discussing the culture and lifestyle of inmates.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jailhouse and prison?
Prison is a more formal term and is commonly used in legal and official contexts. Jailhouse is more informal and may be used in casual or slang contexts.
