Meaning of the word gulag in English

What does gulag mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

gulag

US /ˈɡuː.læɡ/
UK /ˈɡuː.læɡ/

Noun

1.

a system of labor camps maintained in the former Soviet Union from 1930 to 1955 in which many people died

Example:
Millions suffered and died in the Soviet Gulag.
The book describes life in a Siberian Gulag camp.
2.

a prison camp or forced labor camp, especially one for political prisoners

Example:
Critics argue that the new laws could turn the country into a modern-day gulag.
The regime operates a vast network of political gulags.