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Definition of jailbird

jailbird

/ˈdʒeɪl.bɜːrd/
(UK: gaolbird)
jail · bird
Plural:jailbirds
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jailbird Lexical Profile

jailbird Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is or has repeatedly been in prison; a habitual criminal or convict.

Example

"The novel tells the story of a reformed jailbird trying to rebuild his life and find honest work."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jailbird

• Rhymes for jailbird

• Nearby Words

jail
jailable
jailbait
jailbird
jailbreak
jailbreaker
jailer

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 17th century, this compound metaphorically likens a prisoner behind bars to a caged bird.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jailbird. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jailbird
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