Jail and prison are often used interchangeably by general society, but they actually refer to different things. Jail is generally temporary place of confinement for those awaiting trial or for minor crimes with short sentences. Prison, on the other hand, is a more "permanent" incarceration facility where inmates have been tried and convicted of crimes.

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/jail-vs-prison...