detention
noun
de·ten·tion
di-ˈten-chən 
1
: the act or fact of detaining or holding back
especially
: a holding in custody
the detention of suspects
2
: the state of being detained
Some protesters were held in detention.
especially
: a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court
3
: a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school for a period of time beyond normal class hours
Examples of detention in a Sentence
the detention of suspected terrorists
The jail is only used for brief detentions.
They both got three detentions this year.
He got detention for being late to class.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Discovery Channel star faced two charges, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and evading arrest/detention on foot, according to the outlet.
—
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Both were able to challenge their detention in court, but Fleming said the legal work is made more difficult when migrants are shuffled between facilities.
—Whitney Wild, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Herrera was subsequently charged with evading arrest or detention, unlawful carrying of weapons, disorderly conduct, and tampering or fabricating with evidence, according to the outlet.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre-trial detention hearing.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detention
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Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Both were able to challenge their detention in court, but Fleming said the legal work is made more difficult when migrants are shuffled between facilities.
—Whitney Wild, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
Herrera was subsequently charged with evading arrest or detention, unlawful carrying of weapons, disorderly conduct, and tampering or fabricating with evidence, according to the outlet.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre-trial detention hearing.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detention
Cite this Entry
“Detention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detention. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detention
noun
de·ten·tion
di-ˈten-chən
: the act of detaining : the state of being detained: as
a
: temporary custody before a trial
b
: the punishment of being kept in after school
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