NYT Dictionary

JAILBIRD

/ˈdʒeɪl.ˌbərd/
NounJAIL-birdjail-bird · 2 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025

Meaning

A prisoner or an ex-prisoner.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From jail + bird, circa 1600. Compare gallows bird.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

yardbirdgaolbirdbetrayercaptiveconconvictcriminalcrookdeceiverdesperado

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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