1 sen·tence
Pronounced:
/ˈsɛntn̩s/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural sen·tenc·esMeaning:
1 [count] : a group of words that expresses a statement, question, command, or wish ◊Sentences usually contain a subject and verb. In written English, the first word of a sentence is capitalized and the sentence ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation point. ▪ write/construct/analyze a sentence ▪ complete/incomplete sentences
2 law : the punishment given by a court of law [count] ▪ a harsh/lenient sentence ▪ a prison/jail sentence ▪ He is serving a 10-year sentence for armed robbery. [noncount] ▪ The judge passed/pronounced sentence on him. [=announced what his punishment would be] —see also death sentence, life sentence, suspended sentence
2 law : the punishment given by a court of law [count] ▪ a harsh/lenient sentence ▪ a prison/jail sentence ▪ He is serving a 10-year sentence for armed robbery. [noncount] ▪ The judge passed/pronounced sentence on him. [=announced what his punishment would be] —see also death sentence, life sentence, suspended sentence