Penal – Relating to punishment given by law

(Pronounced pee-nuhl)

To remember the definition of the word penal, use the following mnemonic:

It was the pea's final (penal) warning; next offence would receive a punishment from the law.

Examples of penal in a sentence

To avoid the penal system, she followed the laws of the land at all times.

Humane reform of the penal system is urgently needed.

After committing a terrible crime, she was shipped to the penal colony in Australia.