1 : a situation or period of time in which a person who is starting a new job is tested and watched to see if that person is able to do the job properly [noncount] ▪ As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months. [singular] ▪ There is a three-month probation (period) for new employees. 2 [noncount] law : a situation or period of time in which a person who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of prison if that person behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.
▪ 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. 3 [noncount] US : a situation or period of time in which a person who has made a serious mistake or done something bad is watched and must behave well in order not to be seriously punished
▪ Instead of firing her, they put/placed her on probation. ▪ The student was placed on probation for copying test answers.