search warrant

noun

: a warrant authorizing a search (as of a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions

Examples of search warrant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The University of Arizona Police Department, which filed the search warrant, said on Tuesday that the investigation was ongoing. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026 Police obtained a search warrant for the van, but did not find the firearm inside. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 On Wednesday, a search warrant was issued for Fagan’s home where he was detained. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 Police ended the pursuit before being able to stop the minor, but prosecutors said authorities later identified the 17-year-old as the rider and served the family a search warrant. — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for search warrant

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of search warrant was in 1739

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Search warrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/search%20warrant. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

search warrant

noun
: a warrant making legal a search of a specified place (as a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions (as illegal drugs)

Legal Definition

search warrant

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