alcatraz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, historical, geographical. Informal when used figuratively.
Quick answer
What does “alcatraz” mean?
A proper noun referring primarily to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, USA, famous for its former maximum-security federal prison (1934–1963).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring primarily to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, USA, famous for its former maximum-security federal prison (1934–1963).
1. A metonym for the former prison on the island itself. 2. (In figurative use) Any place or situation that is extremely secure, inescapable, or isolating. 3. The name of the island's indigenous animal and plant life (e.g., Alcatraz pelican).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. It is a US geographical/cultural landmark, so references may be slightly more frequent in American media.
Connotations
Identical connotations of isolation, high security, and notoriety in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to domestic cultural reference.
Grammar
How to Use “alcatraz” in a Sentence
[visit/see/tour] Alcatraz[escape from/be imprisoned on] AlcatrazAlcatraz [is/was/stands]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alcatraz” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The escape plan had an Alcatraz-level of complexity.
- He described the boarding school's rules as positively Alcatraz.
American English
- They ran an Alcatraz-tight security system.
- The data centre had an Alcatraz-like perimeter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically for 'inescapable contracts' or 'secure facilities'.
Academic
Used in historical, criminological, or geographical texts/papers.
Everyday
Mainly in the context of tourism, history documentaries, or popular culture.
Technical
Not applicable outside specific historical or geographical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alcatraz”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alcatraz”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alcatraz”
- Misspelling: 'Alcatras', 'Alcatrez'. Incorrect article use: *'the Alcatraz' (usually 'Alcatraz' without 'the', except in phrases like 'the prison on Alcatraz').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is a proper noun. Figurative use ('This place is an Alcatraz') treats it as a proper noun used metaphorically.
The word originates from Spanish 'alcatraz', meaning 'gannet' (a seabird) or 'pelican'. The island was named 'La Isla de los Alcatraces' (Island of the Pelicans) by Spanish explorers.
No. The federal prison closed in 1963. The island is now a national historic landmark and museum, managed by the National Park Service.
No, the standard pronunciation is identical: /ˈæl.kə.træz/. The primary stress is on the first syllable.
A proper noun referring primarily to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, USA, famous for its former maximum-security federal prison (1934–1963).
Alcatraz is usually formal, historical, geographical. informal when used figuratively. in register.
Alcatraz: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæl.kə.træz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæl.kə.træz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like trying to escape from Alcatraz (used to describe a near-impossible task).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (AL-CAT) on a hard, rocky island. You can't RAZZ (fool/tempt) it to leave because it's trapped – just like the prisoners on Alcatraz.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLACE IS A PRISON (when used figuratively: 'This office is like Alcatraz').
Practice
Quiz
What is Alcatraz most famously known as?