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
Synonyms
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
Alberto Nieves, 66, of New Haven was sentenced Friday by Judge Maureen M. Keegan to 20 years in prison, execution suspended after 10 years served, followed by 10 years of probation, according to a statement from the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025
If the plea deal is accepted, Robinson will serve one year of probation and have to repay $11,200, plus an $8,700 fine, according to Post-Tribune archives.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Bennett agreed to 10 years in prison with another 10 years of probation upon his release after pleading guilty to one count of violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Now, Van-Horn will serve five years of probation with the first three years under supervision by the Division of Parole and Probation, officials said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for probation 
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2025
If the plea deal is accepted, Robinson will serve one year of probation and have to repay $11,200, plus an $8,700 fine, according to Post-Tribune archives.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Bennett agreed to 10 years in prison with another 10 years of probation upon his release after pleading guilty to one count of violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Now, Van-Horn will serve five years of probation with the first three years under supervision by the Division of Parole and Probation, officials said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for probation
Dictionary Entries Near probation
Cite this Entry
“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probation. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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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