probation
noun
pro·ba·tion
prō-ˈbā-shən 
1
: critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation
2
a
: subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness (as for a job or school)
b
: the action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving the offender freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer
c
: the state or a period of being subject to probation
probationally
adverb
Examples of probation in a Sentence
As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.
He hoped that the judge would grant him probation.
He was sentenced to one year's probation.
He was sent back to prison for violating his probation.
She was arrested while on probation.
Instead of firing her, they put her on probation.
The student was placed on probation for copying test answers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Deiseroth, who was sentenced to probation and community service, is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
—
Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Under shock probation, Kentucky judges may suspend a sentence after a defendant has served a portion of their prison term.
—Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says 64% of human trafficking survivors are under age 18 and, under current state law, some of their abusers receive probation.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Cynthia Thomas was convicted last year of mail fraud conspiracy and was sentenced in December to probation for three years, Alpha News reported.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for probation
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Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Under shock probation, Kentucky judges may suspend a sentence after a defendant has served a portion of their prison term.
—Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says 64% of human trafficking survivors are under age 18 and, under current state law, some of their abusers receive probation.
—Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Cynthia Thomas was convicted last year of mail fraud conspiracy and was sentenced in December to probation for three years, Alpha News reported.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for probation
Cite this Entry
“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probation. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
probation
noun
pro·ba·tion
prō-ˈbā-shən
1
: a period of trial for finding out or testing a person's fitness (as for a job or school)
2
: the suspending of a convicted offender's sentence during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer
Legal Definition
probation
noun
pro·ba·tion
prō-ˈbā-shən
1
a
: subjection to a period of evaluation and possible termination at the commencement of employment in a position for which one's fitness is to be determined
b
: subjection to a period of review in the course of employment or education as a result of a violation of standards and with the possibility of dismissal if standards are not met
2
a
: the suspension of all or part of a sentence and its replacement by freedom subject to specific conditions and the supervision of a probation officer
it is the intent of the legislature that the granting of probation shall be a matter of grace conferring no vested right to its continuance—Michigan Statutes Annotated
Michigan Statutes Annotatedcalled also community supervision
compare diversion, parole
b
: probation as a sentence in itself
c
: the period or state of being subject to probation
arrested while on probation
Etymology
Middle French, critical examination and evaluation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare to test, approve, prove
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