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.
Manson, who was denied parole 12 times, was reportedly unfazed by spending the rest of his life in prison — despite being only 37 years old when he was sentenced to San Quentin’s death row. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 This undated photo shows death row inmate Anthony Darrell Hines. — CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026 Like the majority of inmates on death row, the three men being executed on Thursday all killed women or girls. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 The families asked not to be named for their own security and to prevent additional pressure on their young men on death row. — Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 9 Aug. 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 20 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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