appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət 

: of, relating to, or recognizing appeals

specifically : having the power to review the judgment of another tribunal

an appellate court

Examples of appellate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While that edict seems antiquated with the realities of the House settlement, the settlement doesn’t nullify or supersede appellate precedent. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026

With cases moving through three different appellate circuits, the question looks headed for a higher court—possibly the Supreme Court—even as the fee is set to expire on its own in September 2026. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 10 June 2026

Dallas appellate attorney David Coale, who was not involved in the case, said the strongest issues on appeal may have little to do with the evidence jurors heard and more to do with whether the trial was conducted properly. —Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 10 June 2026

One aspect of the appeal that has already drawn attention is the makeup of the appellate court. —Trey Wallace, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin appellātus, past participle of appellāre "to appeal against a judgment," going back to Latin, "to speak to, address, apply to for support, refer to a higher authority" — more at appeal entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for appellate

• chelate
• pellet
• prelate
• zealot

Kids Definition

appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpel-ət 

: having the power to review the decisions of a lower court

an appellate court

Legal Definition

appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət 

: of or relating to appeals or the power to hear appeals

the appellate process

an appellate court