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

Arizona, which currently has 110 prisoners on death row, carried out three executions last year.

From Seattle Times

As the 2024 election looms - and with the chance of someone even less sympathetic to their claims entering the Oval Office - death row inmates know the clock is ticking.

From Washington Times

“They’re fighting back as much as they ever have,” said Ruth Friedman, head of the defender unit that oversees federal death row cases.

From Seattle Times

One Idaho death row inmate has already had his execution postponed repeatedly because of drug scarcity.

From Seattle Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that the prison, one of the oldest in the country and home to the nation’s largest death row, would soon focus on helping prisoners transition back into society.

From New York Times