Overview of noun penitentiary

The noun penitentiary has 1 sense

• penitentiary, pen -- (a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes)

Overview of adj penitentiary

The adj penitentiary has 2 senses

• penitentiary -- (used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers; "penitentiary institutions")


• penitential, penitentiary -- (showing or constituting penance; "penitential tears"; "wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words")