penal code
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of penal code
First recorded in 1880–85
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.
Under the islands’ penal code, a single fender-bender with an endemic animal can carry severe consequences.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
The interim government is prosecuting Atef Najib under the 1949 penal code, a statute written for ordinary murder, not for crimes against humanity.
From Slate ● May 27, 2026
The National Security Committee approved the amendment to the penal code, which will now be passed onto the parliament for its first reading.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
They were sentenced to five years for contravening the penal code and outraging public decency.
From BBC ● Jan. 13, 2025
The word is derived from the Hindustani dakait, and being current in Bengal got into the Indian penal code.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8 "Cube" to "Daguerre, Louis" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
