sally port

noun

1
: a gate or passage in a fortified place for use by troops making a sortie
2
: a secure entryway (as at a prison) that consists of a series of doors or gates

Examples of sally port 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.
Jahn opened fire while the sally port to the facility was open as the detainees were being transferred, officials said. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The most notable addition is a covered sally port with 14-foot fencing and privacy slats. Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Lyons said the gunfire appeared to come from outside the secure facility and struck victims inside the sally port area, where detainees are held. Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Today, visitors can walk through the remains, including the original cells, guard tower, dark cell, library, sally port and cemetery. Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sally port

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sally port was in 1649

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Cite this Entry

“Sally port.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sally%20port. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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