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

In 2008, he agreed to an exceedingly lenient plea deal with federal prosecutors that resulted in a 13-month prison sentence, with freedom granted 12 hours a day, six days a week, under a work-release program.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2025

In some states, work-release programs are run on the local level, with sheriffs frequently responsible for handling the books and awarding contracts.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

An unusual work-release program accepts pre-trial defendants, allowing them to avoid jail while earning bond money.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

They were carried in by trustees on work-release who wore boots with hollowed-out soles and traveled into town and back.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos