on probation
idiom
1
: being tested and watched at a new job to see if one is able to do the job properly
As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months.
2
: being allowed to stay out of prison after committing a crime if one behaves well, does not commit another crime, etc.
She was arrested while on probation.
3
: being watched for a period of time during which one must behave well in order not to be seriously punished after having made a serious mistake or done something bad
He was on probation for cheating.
The student was put/placed on probation for copying test answers.
Examples of on probation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, amid the allegations, Kingston was on probation, adding another charge to his rap sheet.
—
Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
The state asked the judge to give Baker a judgment of one year fixed and two years indeterminate in prison — and then suspend that sentence and place the defendant on probation.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for on probation 
Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
The state asked the judge to give Baker a judgment of one year fixed and two years indeterminate in prison — and then suspend that sentence and place the defendant on probation.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for on probation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'on probation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“On probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20probation. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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