Word
tribunal
Phoneticstri·bunal
US/tɹəbˈjunəɫ/
UK/tɹaɪbjˈuːnəl/
Definitions
01special court
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. a special court or committee that makes official decisions about a specific legal problem.
n. a body established to settle disputes or adjudicate on specific matters, often administrative or employment-related, rather than general criminal cases.
“The employment tribunal decided that the company had treated the worker unfairly.”
“The international tribunal was convened to investigate alleged war crimes and ensure that those responsible were held accountable under international law.”
Usage
Often used with 'independent' or 'administrative'; frequently takes the preposition 'on' or 'for' regarding its subject matter.
Teaching tip
In British English, this often refers to specific bodies like the 'Employment Tribunal', whereas in general English it can sound more formal or international than a standard 'court'.
02seat of a judge
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Literary · Archaic
n. the seat or bench where a judge or group of judges sits.
n. the seat or bench occupied by a judge or magistrate; by extension, the court itself.
“The judge looked down from the tribunal at the lawyers below.”
“The magistrate ascended the tribunal with a gravity that silenced the restless gallery.”
Usage
Primarily found in historical or highly formal legal literature.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tribunal” in context.
Verb
01. bring a case before a tribunal
“The dismissed employee chose to bring a case before a tribunal to seek compensation.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. convene a tribunal
“The government decided to convene a tribunal to investigate the allegations of corruption.”
verb + noun
03. uphold the decision of the tribunal
“The High Court eventually voted to uphold the decision of the tribunal.”
verb + noun + of + noun
Adjective
04. independent tribunal
“An independent tribunal was established to ensure a fair and unbiased hearing.”
adj + noun
05. international war crimes tribunal
“He was summoned to appear before the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague.”
adj + noun + noun
Noun
06. employment tribunal
“She won her claim for unfair dismissal at the employment tribunal.”
noun + noun
07. ruling of the tribunal
“Both parties are legally bound by the final ruling of the tribunal.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. before a tribunal
“The witnesses were required to give their testimony before a tribunal.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“A University of Cambridge whistleblower who alleged bullying of female staff inside the university’s Institute of Astronomy has won a tribunal against his employer.” “A tour of British law from the former supreme court president, featuring real stories from benefits tribunals and the family and criminal courts.” Etymology
PIE word *tréyes From Old French tribunal, from Latin tribūnal (“tribunal”), from tribus (“tribe”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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