bailiff

noun

bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf How to pronounce bailiff (audio)
1
a
: an official employed by a British sheriff to serve writs and make arrests and executions
b
: a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or usher
2
chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm
bailiffship
ˈbā-ləf-ˌship How to pronounce bailiff (audio)
noun

Examples of bailiff 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.
Over the years, he’s been cast as a newspaper reporter, a court bailiff, and a dizzy jury member, among other roles. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 Constables serve as bailiffs who keep the peace in township small claims courts and carry out orders such as evictions and subpoenas. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 20 Apr. 2026 The testimony provided by Givens and the bailiff was at odds with that provided by the prosecutors and probation officers. — Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026 During the hearing, Hill denied most of the jurors’ claims but acknowledged telling the bailiff, within earshot of jurors, about Murdaugh’s decision to testify. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bailiff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English baillif, bailie, from Anglo-French baillif, from bail power, authority, office, from baillier to govern, administer, from Medieval Latin bajulare to care for, support, from Latin, to carry a burden — more at bail entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Browse Nearby Words

bailiery
bailiff
bailiffry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

bailiff

noun
bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf How to pronounce bailiff (audio)
1
: any of various officials
especially : a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or doorkeeper
2
chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm

Legal Definition

bailiff

noun
bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf How to pronounce bailiff (audio)
: an officer of some courts in the U.S. whose duties usually include keeping order in the courtroom and guarding prisoners or jurors in deliberation
Etymology

Anglo-French, steward, king's official, from bail stewardship, custody, handing over see bail

More from Merriam-Webster on bailiff

Nglish: Translation of bailiff for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bailiff

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