chain gang

noun

plural chain gangs
: a group of people (such as convicts) chained together especially as an outside working party

Examples of chain gang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That scene was not there and neither was the chain gang scene. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025 And as for those who care only about the chain gang, fear not. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2025 Every step, every play, where the officials are, the chain gang, what’s happening on the sidelines, even what the locker room looks like. — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 The virtual measurement system is expected to save up to 40 seconds per use compared to the chain gang, with reliable results to the quarter inch. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chain gang

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain gang was in 1813

Rhymes for chain gang

See All Rhymes for chain gang

Browse Nearby Words

chain fern
chain gang
chain gear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chain gang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20gang. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

chain gang

noun
: a group of convicts chained together especially to work outside a prison
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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