jailbird
/ˈdʒeɪlˌbɜrd/
NOUN
1. A prisoner or former prisoner
A person who is or has been confined in jail, especially someone who has been imprisoned repeatedly.
1.1. People serving time in prison
A person who is currently imprisoned or serving a sentence for a crime.
Synonyms
Examples
- The notorious jailbird had spent most of his adult life behind bars.
- The prison authorities transferred the jailbird to another facility.
Related Words
- prison
- jail
- incarceration
- imprisonment
- detention
- confinement
- prison sentence
- correctional facility
1.2. Former prisoners and repeat offenders
A person who has previously been imprisoned, particularly someone with a history of repeated convictions or imprisonment.
Synonyms
- ex-con
- parolee
- probationer
- recidivist
- repeat offender
- convict
- criminal
- felon
- lawbreaker
- offender
Antonyms
- law-abiding person
- upright citizen
Examples
- The former jailbird struggled to find employment after his release.
- The community offered support to the jailbird who was trying to rebuild his life.
Related Words
- criminal record
- prior conviction
- recidivism
- parole
- probation
- rehabilitation
- reintegration
- reoffending