Rikers Island

American

[rahy-kerz] / ˈraɪ kərz /

an island off N Queens but administratively in the Bronx, New York City, in the East River: site of New York City penal facilities. 0.6 sq. mi. (1.6 sq. km).

Example Sentences

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Rikers Island

"We are very focused on advancing the closure of Rikers Island on the fastest timeline possible," said Dana Kaplan, who is overseeing the mayor's efforts to shutter the jail.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026

So is he getting the cellblock at Rikers Island ready for an incoming VIP?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Weinstein spoke at length with the Hollywood Reporter in March about carrying out his sentence: “It’s Rikers Island and it’s hell.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

As of Tuesday, she was being held on bail at Rikers Island jail, with a court appearance planned for this week.

From BBC ● Nov. 26, 2025

An inmate had escaped from the Rikers Island Visit Room that same summer, despite the many fail-safes.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023