federal court

noun

: a court established by a federal government
especially : one established under the constitution and laws of the U.S.

Examples of federal court 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.
Karen Willis also played an essential, behind-the-scenes role in helping her husband mount two San Diego federal court cases. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 Four men stole more than half a million dollars from Connecticut ATMs and have been charged in federal court, authorities said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 July 2026 After years of delays, Hill lost in federal court but won in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which then sent him back to the state level. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 Beasley, the latest big name caught up in a sweeping federal gambling investigation, said little at his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for federal court

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of federal court was in 1789

Rhymes for federal court

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Browse Nearby Words

federal council
federal court
federal deposit insurance
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Cite this Entry

“Federal court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federal%20court. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

federal court

noun
: a court established by the federal government and having jurisdiction over questions of federal law
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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