zindan, n.

zindan
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zindan_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2021

# zindannoun

## Earlier version

- zindan in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zindan mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zindan. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

### How common is the noun zindan?

Fewer than 0.01occurrences per million words in modern written English

1850 | 0.0004
1860 | 0.0004
1870 | 0.0003
1880 | 0.0004
1890 | 0.0002
1900 | 0.0001
1910 | 0.0001
1920 | 0.0002
1930 | 0.0001
1940 | 0.0002
1950 | 0.0002
1960 | 0.0004
1970 | 0.0005
1980 | 0.0005
1990 | 0.0006
2000 | 0.0007
2010 | 0.0008

### How is the noun zindan pronounced?

#### British English

/zɪnˈdɑːn/
zin-DAHN
/zɪnˈdan/
zin-DAN

#### U.S. English

/zɪnˈdɑn/
zin-DAHN
/zɪnˈdæn/
zin-DAN

### Where does the noun zindan come from?

Earliest known use

1840s

The earliest known use of the noun zindan is in the 1840s.

OED's earliest evidence for zindan is from 1844, in the Examiner.

zindan is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Persian. Probably also partly a borrowing from Turkish.

Etymons: Persian zindān; Ottoman Turkish zindān.

### Nearby entries

1. zinc-plate, n. 1823–
2. zinc-powder, n. 1881–
3. zinc roof, n. 1883–
4. zinc spar, n. 1796–
5. zinc-sponge, n. 1902–
6. zinc sulphide, n. 1851–
7. zinc white, n. 1847–
8. zincy, adj. 1757–
9. zinc yellow, n. 1847–
10. zindabad, int. & n. 1930–
11. zindan, n.1844–
12. Zindikite, n. 1694–
13. Zindiq, n. 1667–
14. zine, n. 1946–
15. zineb, n. 1950–
16. zines, int.?1701–10
17. zinester, n. 1986–
18. zinfandel, n. 1880–
19. zing, v. 1899–
20. zing, int. & n. 1875–
21. zingana, n.¹ 1883

## Etymology

### Summary

Partly a borrowing from Persian. Probably also partly a borrowing from Turkish.
Etymons: Persian zindān; Ottoman Turkish zindān.
< Persian zindān prison (Middle Persian zēndān), further etymology uncertain, perhaps a transferred use of a word for an arsenal (also used as a prison) < an element related to Avestan zaēna- weapon…
< Persian zindān prison (Middle Persian zēndān), further etymology uncertain, perhaps a transferred use of a word for an arsenal (also used as a prison) < an element related to Avestan zaēna- weapon + Middle Persian ‑dān container (ultimately < the same Indo-Iranian base as Old Persian dā- to put, place: see do v.).

In use with reference to the Ottoman Empire (compare quot. 1855) probably via Ottoman Turkish zindān dungeon, prison (Turkish zindan).

## Meaning & use

1. 1844–
   In Turkey and central Asia: a place in which people are held captive; a prison, a dungeon.
   1. 1844

      > The Zindan, or Dungeon [in Bukhara], is to the east of the Ark, with two compartments: the Zindan-i-bala (the upper dungeon) and the Zindan-i-poin (the lower dungeon).

      Examiner 28 December 820/1
   2. 1855

      > The filthy zindans of Turkey are not the places to force men into that we may have to do with them on friendly terms hereafter.

      O. T. Parnauevel, Trip to Turkey 136
   3. 2004

      > In the mountains, hostages lived with their guards in special dugouts made in the woods. Balburov was kept in such a zindan for more than two months.

      V. Tishkov, Chechnya viii. 122
   1. quartern Old English–1275
      A prison.
   2. prison a1200–
      With article or other designation. A building or other facility to which people are legally committed as punishment for a crime or while awaiting…
   3. lodge c1290–1704
      A place of confinement; a cell, prison.
   4. galley a1300–
      A low flat-built seagoing vessel with one deck, propelled by sails and oars, formerly in common use in the Mediterranean. Cf. galliass, n. The…
   5. jail a1300–
      A place or building used to imprison people accused or convicted of a crime or offence; a prison (now chiefly historical or archaic in British and Iri…
   6. chartre a1325–1484
      A prison.
   7. ward 1338–
      †a. A prison (cf. sense I.3). Obsolete. b. Each of the divisions or separate departments of a prison.
   8. keeping c1384–1540
      Confinement, imprisonment; prison. Obsolete.
   9. prison-house 1419–
      A building that is or serves as a prison. Frequently figurative.
   10. lying-house 1423–1593
       (See quot. 1593).
   11. jailhouse 1473–
       A building or structure where people are jailed; a jail or prison.
   12. tollbooth 1488–
       A town prison, a jail.
   13. kidcote c1515–1886
       The name formerly given in various towns (as York, Lancaster, etc.) to the lock-up or prison.
   14. clink c1530–
       The name of a noted prison in Southwark; later used elsewhere (esp. in Devon and Cornwall) for a small and dismal prison or prison-cell, a lock-up…
   15. warding-place 1571–1752
       a. A place where guard is kept; b. Scottish a place of confinement for prisoners.
   16. the hangman's budget 1589–1607
       the hangman's budget. Obsolete.
   17. Newgate 1592–1669
       Any prison. Also: a situation likened to Newgate prison, as by being restrictive, confining, etc. Obsolete.
   18. gehenna 1594–
       transferred. A place of torture; a prison.
   19. Lob's pound 1597–
       Prison; jail; the lock-up. Also figurative, an entanglement, difficulty.
   20. caperdewsie 1599–1664
       The stocks; prison.
   21. footman's inn 1604–31
       Jail, prison.
   22. cappadochio 1607
       ‘A cant name for prison’ (Nares); perhaps rather, the stocks.
   23. pen a1640–
       A place in which a person or persons may be confined; spec. (originally U.S.) a prison cell, a prison.
   24. marshalsea 1652–
       Used esp. as the name of certain other prisons; gen. a prison.
   25. log-house 1662–
       A house built of logs; in early use (U.S.) applied to a prison; also attributive in log-house quilting (see quot.).
   26. bastille 1663–
       In extended use: any prison. Also figurative and in figurative contexts.
   27. naskin 1673–1704
       A prison. Cf. nask, n.
   28. state prison 1684–
       a. A prison managed by the State; (in early use) spec. †one in which political offenders are held (obsolete); b. a prison managed by the state (state…
   29. tronk 1693–
       A prison.
   30. stone-doublet 1694–1775
       A prison.
   31. iron or stone doublet 1698–1720
       iron or stone doublet: a prison. Obsolete slang.
   32. blockhouse 1699–
       slang. Usually with the: prison. Now only in historical contexts.
   33. college 1699–
       slang. A prison. (figurative from 7.)
   34. nask 1699–1881
       A prison. Cf. naskin, n.
   35. quod 1699–
       Prison, the state of imprisonment; (also) †a prison. Frequently in in quod.
   36. shop 1699–1921
       slang. A prison. Obsolete.
   37. black hole 1707–
       gen. A place of confinement as punishment.
   38. start 1735–1830
       British slang (originally cant). Originally: (a nickname for) Newgate prison in London. Later sometimes more generally: any prison. Obsolete.
   39. state's prison 1780–
       A prison run by the state (state, n. III.29a) in which it is located; = state prison n. (b) at compounds (b).
   40. coop 1785–
       slang. A prison.
   41. stone jug 1796–
       slang. A nickname for Newgate prison, or for a prison in general.
   42. calaboose 1797–
       The name, in New Orleans and adjacent parts of the U.S., for a common prison.
   43. factory 1806–
       Australian slang. A prison or detention centre for women, esp. that at Parramatta, New South Wales, where cloth was manufactured by inmates. Also…
   44. bull-pen 1809–
       A pen or enclosure for bulls; spec. a square enclosure made of logs, frequently used in early times as a place of confinement; hence, a lock-up or…
   45. steel 1811–
       (See quots.)
   46. jigger 1812–
       A prison or cell.
   47. jug 1815–
       slang. A prison, jail; more fully stone jug, n. 2. Originally U.S.
   48. kitty 1825–
       A prison, jail, or lock-up; a house of correction.
   49. chokey 1829–
       Originally and chiefly Australian: a jail, a police lock-up (cf. chowki, n. 1b). Also Nautical: a place of confinement for prisoners on board ship…
   50. rock pile 1830–
       A heap of stones; frequently with allusion to the convict's task of breaking stones. Hence (U.S. slang): a jail or prison; (humorously) any place in…
   51. chokey 1833–
       Prison, jail (also occasionally with the). Also: the state of imprisonment.
   52. bughouse 1842–
       A place for the confinement of prisoners; a jail. Now rare (in later use U.S. regional).
   53. zindan 1844–
       In Turkey and central Asia: a place in which people are held captive; a prison, a dungeon.
   54. model 1845–
       colloquial. Chiefly Australian. Short for model prison, n. Also: time served in a model prison; esp. in to do model.
   55. black house 1846–48
       slang. A prison. Obsolete. rare.
   56. tench 1850–
       A house of detention; a penitentiary.
   57. mill 1851–
       slang. A prison, a guardhouse. Now rare.
   58. stir 1851–
       A prison. Also without article, esp. in in stir.
   59. hoppet 1855–
       A jail or prison.
   60. booby hatch 1859–
       slang (originally U.S.). A place of incarceration; a lock-up; a prison. Cf. booby, n.¹ 5, booby-hutch, n. 4a. Now rare (chiefly historical).
   61. caboose 1865–
       = calaboose, n. slang (originally U.S.).
   62. cooler 1872–
       slang (originally U.S.). A prison, a jail. Also: a prison cell.
   63. skookum house 1873–
       A jail.
   64. gib 1877–
       A prison.
   65. nick 1882–
       slang (originally Australian). A prison; a lock-up, esp. one at a police station. Also: a police station.
   66. hoosegow 1883–
       A jail or prison; a courthouse.
   67. choker 1884–
       slang. = chowki, n. 1b: the lock-up, prison.
   68. logs 1888–
       plural. Australian slang. A jail or lock-up. (Formerly built of logs. Cf. log-house, n.)
   69. booby house 1894–
       U.S. slang. A place of incarceration; a lock-up; a prison. Cf. booby hatch, n. 2a and booby-hutch, n. 4a. Now rare.
   70. big house 1905–
       slang. Originally U.S. Prison.
   71. can 1912–
       slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). Chiefly with the: a prison, a jail; a cell in a police station. Also: imprisonment, time spent in prison.
   72. detention camp 1916–
       In the war of 1914–18, a camp in which aliens and others were kept under restraint; also applied to other places of incarceration.
   73. pokey 1919–
       Chiefly with the. Prison, jail.
   74. slammer 1952–
       Prison, jail. Usually with the: occasionally the slammers. Cf. slam, n.¹ 4 slang (originally U.S.).
   75. joint 1953–
       Prison. U.S. slang.
   76. slam 1960–
       = slammer, n.¹ 3. Usually with the. Chiefly U.S. slang.
   77. tjoekie 1977–
       Prison, jail (also occasionally with the). Cf. chokey, n.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/zɪnˈdɑːn/
zin-DAHN
/zɪnˈdan/
zin-DAN

### U.S. English

/zɪnˈdɑn/
zin-DAHN
/zɪnˈdæn/
zin-DAN

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Frequency

zindan typically occurs fewer than 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.

zindan is in frequency band 1, which contains words occurring fewer than 0.001 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zindan, n., 1850–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1850 | 0.0004
1860 | 0.0004
1870 | 0.0003
1880 | 0.0004
1890 | 0.0002
1900 | 0.0001
1910 | 0.0001
1920 | 0.0002
1930 | 0.0001
1940 | 0.0002
1950 | 0.0002
1960 | 0.0004
1970 | 0.0005
1980 | 0.0005
1990 | 0.0006
2000 | 0.0007
2010 | 0.0008

zindan, n. was revised in March 2021.

zindan, n. was last modified in December 2024.