Definition and meaning of English word "court"
court
/kɔːrt/
Meaning
NounA tribunal, presided over by a judge or judges, that hears and decides legal cases and administers justice.
How to use
In legal English, 'court' refers to the official body, presided over by a judge, that hears and decides legal cases. It's often capitalized when naming a specific institution (the Supreme Court), and appears in common phrases like 'go to court', 'take someone to court', and 'appear in court'. Learners should note that 'court' can also mean an enclosed yard or a sports playing area (a tennis court), but in legal contexts it almost always refers to the judicial institution.
🇬🇧 English
court
Example
The court sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- take someone to court— to sue someone
- court order— an official instruction given by a court
- supreme court— the highest court in a country or state
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1329 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "court" mean?▼
The English word "court" means "court" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "court"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "court" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "court"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "The court sentenced the defendant to five years in prison." (which translates as "court").
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