English · Word Candidate

parole

/pəˈɹəʊl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: paroles · paroling · paroled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Originally, one's oath or word of honour, given as a condition of release from custody; now specifically, describing the release of a former prisoner under certain conditions, especially the promise of good behaviour.

Noun

Examples

He will be on parole for nearly two more years.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Conditional release of a prisoner (now especially before the end of a custodial sentence), or the term or state of such release; the system governing such releases.

Noun

Examples

A Minnesota woman who killed her 6-year-old son will now spend the rest of her life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To release (a prisoner) on the understanding that s/he checks in regularly and obeys the law.

Verb

Examples

Whitelaw was allowed to continue to San Francisco. There, INS officials assigned Whitelaw a temporary status for "deferred examination," and "paroled" him into the U.S., permitting him to stay for his planned five-week vacation.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To be released on parole.

Verb

Examples

I am a gay guy that likes S&M, and am looking for a master out on the streets to write me in here. I would like to parole to NYC some day if I can.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “parole” mean?

Is “parole” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.