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

Erin Morrow Hawley is chair of Lex Politica’s Supreme Court and appellate practice and counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom. —Erin Morrow Hawley, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2026

As the appeal was pending, and while the appellate court deliberates, the temporary injunction granted will remain on hold. —Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 5 Mar. 2026

Kaufman said Khalil’s lawyers plan to file a petition for review by the full appellate court by the end of March. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

The appellate court in June issued a 2-1 opinion finding Alabama prosecutors violated Sockwell's 14th Amendment rights by intentionally rejecting potential Black jurors believed to be more sympathetic to him. —CBS News, 3 Mar. 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