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.
Ten people who left the office went on to the judiciary, Sorrells said. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 Frustration is also growing over what is seen as Haitian authorities’ reluctance to get their house in order, from tackling corruption to fixing its judiciary. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 If elected, the younger Bolsonaro, who comports himself as a more moderate version of his father, has been clear on his plans not only to secure his father’s freedom but to punish the top figures in the judiciary who pushed for his prosecution. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026 Finding no legal recourse in a city with a crooked police department and judiciary, Matt gives in to despair. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on judiciary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for judiciary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about judiciary

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