sin bin

American  

[sin bin] / ˈsɪn ˌbɪn /

noun

Slang.

1. Ice Hockey. penalty box.

2. British. an isolated room or facility where offenders, as misbehaving students or disruptive prisoners, are placed for a period of detention or rehabilitation: four inmates doing time in the sin bin for physical violence.

   secondary-school cyberbullies sent to the sin bin;

   four inmates doing time in the sin bin for physical violence.

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sin bin British  

noun

1. slang (in ice hockey, rugby, etc) an area off the field of play where a player who has committed a foul can be sent to sit for a specified period

2. informal a special unit on a separate site from a school that disruptive schoolchildren attend until they can be reintegrated into their normal classes

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Etymology

Origin of sin bin

First recorded in 1950–55 sin bin for def. 1; 1980–85 sin bin for def. 2

Example Sentences

More and more EU countries are being thrown in the public spending sin bin over their mushrooming deficits, with Bulgaria expected to be added Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

It proved a double blow for Scotland with prop Leah Bartlett sent to the sin bin on her 50th appearance for an infringement in the build-up.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

To add to the drama both number eights were sent to the sin bin, Georgia Evans for two yellow cards, while Evie Gallagher's offence was upgraded to a red card.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2025

The wing has been sent to the sin bin and will be reviewed by the television match officials to see if it will be more.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024

Black Lion's early discipline let them down and things went from bad to worse when Sandro Mamamtavrishvili was sent to the sin bin for an off-the-ball challenge.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2023