cellhouse

[sel-hous]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellhouse¹

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

Read more on Washington Times