1. plural of jail; buildings where people are held while awaiting trial or serving short sentences

1. third person singular present of jail; puts someone in jail

Examples

• The county operates three jails for different types of offenders.
• Many local jails are overcrowded and understaffed.
• The judge jails repeat offenders for longer periods.
• She visited several jails as part of her research on prison reform.
• The sheriff jails anyone who disturbs the peace.
• Old jails often lack modern security features.
• He rarely jails first-time offenders for minor crimes.