penal code

noun

: a code of laws concerning crimes and offenses and their punishment

Examples of penal code 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.
To that end, the book includes advocacy tools as well as penal codes, laws, and rights pertaining to reproductive rights. — Victoria Law, Washington Post, 6 May 2026 Capital punishment has always been part of the penal code, but with the exception of Eichmann in 1962, it has never been used. — Arie Perliger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026 Cuba’s penal code sets the minimum legal age of criminal responsibility at 16. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 Nicolaysen and other attorneys had argued at trial the stalking charge was impossible to prove since the federal penal code requires a defendant to engage in a pattern of behavior to be guilty of the crime. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for penal code

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penal code was circa 1777

Rhymes for penal code

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Browse Nearby Words

penal
penal code
penal colony
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Cite this Entry

“Penal code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penal%20code. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

penal code

noun
: a code of laws concerning crimes and their punishments
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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