pro ‧ ba ‧ tion /prəˈbeɪʃ ə n $ proʊ-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1 . a system that allows some criminals not to go to prison or to leave prison, if they behave well and see a probation officer regularly, for a particular period of time:
The judge sentenced Jennings to three years’ probation.
(put/place somebody) on probation
He pleaded guilty and was placed on probation.
2 . a period of time, during which an employer can see if a new worker is suitable:
a three month probation period
on probation
Some people are appointed on probation.
3 . American English a period of time in which you must improve your work or behave well so that you will not have to leave your job:
I’m afraid I have no choice but to put you on probation.
—probationary adjective :
a probationary period