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

Together, Garza and Meija's appellate attorneys convinced the trial court of her innocence. —Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026

For developing countries, reforming the dispute settlement mechanism and restoring a functioning appellate body, the highest court for trade disputes, will be a priority to protect market access and effectively uphold their rights. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

Drake has filed an opening appellate brief seeking to overturn the ruling in his original lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), Rolling Stone reports. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026

Parisi is asking the appellate court to overturn a Placer Superior Court ruling and grant her client the opportunity to post bail and face the murder charge while out of custody. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 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