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gaol

American  
[jeyl] / dʒeɪl /

noun

British.
  1. jail.


gaol British  
/ dʒeɪl /

noun

  1. a variant spelling of jail

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • gaoler noun
  • undergaoler noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Duer was dragged to the gaol on March 23, trailed by mobs of creditors, including members of the city’s most prominent families.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

For a city boy like Robert, the place was, Summerscale writes, “both gaol and sanctuary, fortress and enchanted castle.”

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2016

The gaol welcomed Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2016

Amid uproar in court, Marie was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour at Montpellier gaol, although the latter part of the sentence was subsequently commuted.

From The Guardian • Dec. 22, 2015

I have chosen this course which is more difficult and which entails more risk and hardship than sitting in gaol.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela