death row

noun

: a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death
—usually used with on
prisoners waiting on death row

Examples of death row in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for his petition, Kohberger claims his attorneys misrepresented what Idaho’s death row would be like. — Kelsie Cairns , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 Or say he was threatened because his attorneys informed him about the realities of death row. — Alex Brizee july 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 The lengthy trial concluded with the conviction and death sentence of the gunman, who remains on death row. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 In 2026, Toboni published her first book, titled The Volunteer, which follows one inmate’s attempts to expedite his execution on death row. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for death row

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of death row was in 1894

Rhymes for death row

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Browse Nearby Words

death rope
death row
death sentence
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Cite this Entry

“Death row.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20row. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

death row

noun
: a prison area housing inmates sentenced to death
death row adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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