court
n. countablen. a place where legal trials happen or where people play sports like tennis and basketball. It can also mean the group of people, like a judge and jury, who make legal decisions.
n. a formal legal tribunal presided over by a judge or judges; alternatively, a marked area used for playing specific sports such as tennis, basketball, or squash.
The judge entered the court and everyone stood up.
The lawyer argued that the evidence was not strong enough to be presented in a criminal court.
While the basketball court remained empty during the summer break, the local tennis courts were constantly occupied by residents taking advantage of the clear weather.
* As an English and French surname, from the noun court. Also from the French adjective court (“short”). * As an Irish surname, reduced from McCourt.
In legal contexts, 'court' often appears without an article in phrases like 'in court' or 'to go to court'.
The match was played on the football court.The match was played on the football pitch.The word 'court' is used for sports like tennis or basketball, but 'pitch' or 'field' is used for football.
- 01
court of public opinion
The news media and the public at large, seen as being able to deliver a judgement on someone in the manner of a judge.
- 02
have the ball in one's court
Alternative form of the ball is in someone's court.
- 03
hold court
To serve as the principal discussant or center of attention in an informal gathering of friends, associates, etc.