First recorded in 1715–25
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If convicted as charged, Sanchez and Boyaca each face six years in state prison, while Rivera-Chacon faces 17 years in state prison.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
The indication that Alnaji may avoid state prison time has been met with pushback from the district attorney’s office and members of the Jewish community.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
As originally charged, Yourex had faced up to six years in state prison.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
Cristian Alejandro Solorio Anguiano of Modesto, 28, received the maximum sentence under California law of six years and eight months in state prison, according to an announcement from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026
I don’t know if he’s in a federal prison or a state prison.
From "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz
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.
