attorney general

noun

plural attorneys general or attorney generals
: the chief law officer of a nation or state who represents the government in litigation and serves as its principal legal adviser

Examples of attorney general 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.
First, in 22 states, including Illinois, Democratic attorneys general have already won injunctions that prevent the birthright citizenship order from taking place. Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 He had been rumored to be considering challenging Tillis before the senator announced his exit this week, but the 67-year-old former governor and state attorney general has been taking his time deciding. Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025 The last thing an attorney general should be doing is soliciting reports about controversial artwork and Halloween costumes. Tj Martinell, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025 Mueller suggested that troopers facing potential criminal investigations would feel less secure with cases being handled by the state attorney general, rather than the local prosecutor. Paul Egan, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attorney general

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attorney general was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Attorney general.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attorney%20general. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

attorney general

noun
plural attorneys general or attorney generals
: the chief law officer of a nation or state who represents the government in legal matters

Legal Definition

attorney general

noun
plural attorneys general or attorney generals
: the chief law officer of a nation or state who represents the government in litigation and serves as its principal legal advisor

More from Merriam-Webster on attorney general

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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