appellant

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​pel·​lant ə-ˈpe-lənt How to pronounce appellant (audio)
Synonyms of appellantnext
: of or relating to an appeal : appellate
an appellant court

appellant

2 of 2

noun

: one that appeals
specifically : one that appeals from a judicial decision or decree

Examples of appellant 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.
Adjective
Sorrells said the appellant court that overturned the conviction picked and chose facts and did not function as an appellant court should. — Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2024 The bill also removes Franklin Circuit Court as the appellant body for requests of legislative records. — Steve Bittenbender, Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2021
Noun
But Grace Menke, who was a Yale rower, and her nine objectors-appellants face challenging odds. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Appeals are filed online through the county here, and appellants should get a confirmation email after filing, Beasley said. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for appellant

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English appellaunt "making a charge in court," borrowed from Anglo-French appellant, appellaunt, present participle of apeler, appeler "to call, summon, call before a court" — more at appeal entry 2

Noun

Middle English appellant, appellaunt "person accusing another in court, plaintiff, challenger," borrowed from Anglo-French appellant, noun derivative of appellant, appellant "making a charge in court" — more at appellant entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appellant was in the 14th century

Rhymes for appellant

See All Rhymes for appellant

Browse Nearby Words

appeaser
appellant
appellate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appellant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appellant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appellant

noun
ap·​pel·​lant
ə-ˈpel-ənt
: one that appeals
especially : one that appeals a judicial decision

Legal Definition

appellant

noun
ap·​pel·​lant
ə-ˈpe-lənt
: a person or party who appeals a court's judgment compare appellee

More from Merriam-Webster on appellant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appellant

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