judiciary

noun

ju·​di·​cia·​ry jü-ˈdi-shē-ˌer-ē How to pronounce judiciary (audio) -ˈdi-shə-rē How to pronounce judiciary (audio)
Synonyms of judiciarynext
1
a
: a system of courts of law
b
: the judges of these courts
2
: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested
judiciary adjective

Examples of judiciary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the Alikhani case, 12 young men were sentenced to death and several others were sentenced to five to 10 years in prison, according to Iranian judiciary and human rights sources. — Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 These reforms, however, remain embedded in a judiciary that is subordinate to Communist Party leadership. — Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 Evans led the Cook County judiciary for 24 years, shaping courthouse policy and procedures as the county’s first Black chief judge. — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 The judiciary, however, said the men had legal representation, appealed their convictions and were convicted using police reports, cellphone evidence, witness testimony, confessions and a crime scene reconstruction. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for judiciary

Word History

Etymology

probably noun derivative of judiciary, adjective, "judicial," going back to Middle English judiciari, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French judiciaire, borrowed from Latin jūdiciārius "of the law courts," from jūdicium "legal proceedings, court" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at judicial

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of judiciary was in 1623

Rhymes for judiciary

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Browse Nearby Words

judicial veto
judiciary
judicious
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Cite this Entry

“Judiciary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judiciary. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

judiciary

noun
ju·​di·​cia·​ry ju̇-ˈdish-ē-ˌer-ē How to pronounce judiciary (audio) -ˈdish-ə-rē How to pronounce judiciary (audio)
1
a
: a system of courts of law
b
: the judges of these courts
2
: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested
judiciary adjective

Legal Definition

judiciary

noun
ju·​di·​cia·​ry ju̇-ˈdi-shē-ˌer-ē, -ˈdi-shə-rē How to pronounce judiciary (audio)
plural judiciaries
1
a
: a system of courts of law
b
: the judges of these courts
2
: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested compare executive, legislature
judiciary adjective
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