What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oubliette
Example
The prisoner was thrown into the oubliette and left to rot. [oubliette: noun]
Example
The castle had an oubliette that was used to punish those who disobeyed the king. [oubliette: noun]
prison
Example
He was sentenced to ten years in prison for his crimes. [prison: noun]
Example
The prison was overcrowded and conditions were terrible. [prison: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prison is a more common word than oubliette in everyday language. Prison is a well-known term that is used frequently in news, media, and popular culture, while oubliette is a less common and more specialized term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oubliette and prison?
Prison is a more formal word than oubliette. Prison is commonly used in legal and official contexts, while oubliette is more likely to be used in historical or literary contexts.