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

The visitors' second score came with Scott Robertson's side reduced to 14 as a result of Leroy Carter's sin bin for a cynical trip.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

Ireland's Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood had both scored tries in a first half when two French players were sent to the sin bin.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2025

Munster responded with a period of pressure that saw their opposition reduced to 14 men but, to their frustration, would not find a try during the sin bin period.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2024

Hooker Peato Mauvaka is sent to the sin bin after taking n Exeter player off his feet.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2024