1. people who are kept in a prison as punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial
Usage: plural of prisoner
2. people who are captured and held by an enemy during war
Usage: military context
3. people who are trapped or confined in a situation they cannot escape
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The prisoners were allowed one hour of exercise each day.
• Three prisoners escaped from the county jail last night.
• The soldiers were taken as prisoners of war.
• Enemy prisoners were held in a secure camp.
• The hostages became prisoners in their own home.
• Many people feel like prisoners of their daily routines.
• The prison guards counted all the prisoners twice daily.