work-release

American  

[wurk-ri-lees] / ˈwɜrk rɪˌlis /

adjective

1. of or relating to a program under which prisoners may work outside of prison while serving their sentences.

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Etymology

Origin of work-release

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

He served 13 months in a county jail but was allowed to go to his office six days a week on a work-release program.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in jail, mostly served on a work-release program that allowed him to leave jail daily.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

While most incarcerated workers today help maintain correctional facilities, others are leased out to private companies or take part in work-release programs.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

That includes everything from making mattresses to solar panels, but does not account for work-release and other programs run through local jails, detention and immigration centers and even drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

Postconviction fees include pre-sentence report fees, public defender recoupment fees, and fees levied on people convicted of crimes and placed in a residential or work-release program.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander