courthouse

noun

court·​house ˈkȯrt-ˌhau̇s 

1

a

: a building in which courts of law are regularly held

b

: the principal building in which county offices are housed

2

: county seat

Examples of courthouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The motion calls on the county’s chief executive officer to identify millions of dollars in new funding for self-help legal centers, courthouse domestic violence clinics and the launch of a hotline to help connect the public with services. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Morris, 54, appeared for a detention hearing at the Markham courthouse early Tuesday afternoon. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Hensel’s remarks drew gasps and angry groans from Williams’ family, who later celebrated his prison sentence outside the courthouse. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Ouellette, who did not appear to have much of a reaction, was led away in handcuffs shortly after the verdict when Judge Chris Pelosi raised his bond to $200,000 — which can only be posted at the courthouse. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for courthouse

• alehouse
• almshouse
• backhouse
• baghouse
• bakehouse
• bathhouse
• bauhaus
• blockhouse
• boathouse
• brewhouse
• bunkhouse
• clubhouse

Kids Definition

courthouse

noun

court·​house ˈkō(ə)rt-ˌhau̇s 

ˈkȯ(ə)rt-

: a building in which courts of law are held or county offices are located

Legal Definition

courthouse

noun

court·​house

: a building in which court is regularly held