cellhouse

American  

[sel-hous] / ˈsɛlˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a prison building containing separate cells, each usually intended for one or two prisoners.

---

Etymology

Origin of cellhouse

First recorded in 1930–35; cell + house

Example Sentences

Higher up on the island, outside the three-story cellhouse where some of the nation’s most incorrigible prisoners were once locked away in primitive cells, 10-year-old Melody Garcia, visiting with family from Concord, appeared equally perplexed.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the gardens, available tours include the Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour, which offers recordings in a variety of languages.

From Washington Post

A review of camera footage of the first El Dorado incident, on June 24, indicated staff in L cellhouse didn’t properly secure several doors, including the main exit door from the building, the review said.

From Seattle Times

When inmates began returning to their cellhouse, they placed objects into door jambs to prevent them from being secured and made mop and broom handles into weapons.

From Seattle Times

Later, staffing concerns forced the prison to shut down a cellhouse in El Dorado, he said.

From Washington Times