big house

American  

[big hous] / ˈbɪg ˌhaʊs /

noun

Slang.

1. Usually the big house a penitentiary.

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Etymology

Origin of big house

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

"He's on his own, rattling around in his big house with all these demons and ghosts, and the consequences of his deeds come rushing back in."

From BBC

I saw Cunningham’s big house now, with its huge stone wall, and farther down was Devlin’s.

From Literature

A man on a horse was riding toward the big house.

From Literature

This is what is known in Thailand as "Baan Yai" – big house – politics, and across the country it is the way local power has always been managed.

From BBC

Monica, whose other clients include “some of the top handball players in Serbia,” “a kid who plays Fortnite, and Geena Davis, but only for archery,” might as well be living in Reggie’s big house.

From Los Angeles Times