death row

American  

noun

1. a row of prison cells for prisoners awaiting execution.

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death row British  

noun

1. the part of a prison where those sentenced to death are confined

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Etymology

Origin of death row

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

And judging from those in attendance, parts of “The Fear of 13,” in which Adrien Brody plays a wrongfully convicted man on death row, are hilarious.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

In 1995, Penn was lured back to the screen by friend Tim Robbins, earning his first Oscar nomination for the death row tale "Dead Man Walking."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

While searching for story ideas, news cameraman Rhys Williams came across an article entitled: 'Welshman on death row.'

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Hochman has visited San Quentin to see the changes Newsom directed after suspending the death penalty and ordering the dismantling of death row.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

My short time on death row revealed that there was something missing in the way we treat people in our judicial system, that maybe we judge some people unfairly.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson