grand jury

noun

: a jury that examines accusations against persons charged with crime and if the evidence warrants makes formal charges (as by indictment)

grand juror noun

Examples of grand jury in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In late August, a federal grand jury returned a sixth superseding indictment in the case against Sanon. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

On Thursday, the administration sent grand jury subpoenas to California officials demanding records about their response to allegations of noncitizens on the state’s rolls. — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

Usually, prosecutors secure a grand jury indictment before filing charges. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Over the past week, the Justice Department sent grand jury subpoenas to county election officials in California, including one official who was served at both his home and workplace, according to the lawsuit. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grand jury

• verdure
• buri
• fury

Kids Definition

grand jury

noun

: a jury that chiefly examines accusations of crime made against persons and if the evidence warrants makes formal charges on which the accused persons are later tried

Legal Definition

grand jury

noun

: a jury that examines accusations against persons charged with crime and if the evidence warrants makes formal charges on which the accused persons are later tried see also no bill and true bill at bill sense 3b, indictment compare petit jury, special grand jury