legalese
noun
le·gal·ese
ˌlē-gə-ˈlēz 
-ˈlēs
-ˈlēs
: the specialized language of the legal profession
… replaced legalese with plain talk …—
Steve Weinberg
Steve WeinbergExamples of legalese in a Sentence
I was confused by the legalese in the contract.
Recent Examples on the Web
To be clear, some of the legalese will take time to iron out, because Mercury will go retrograde on February 26.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Though details of the EPA’s proposals are complex and filled with legalese, the agency’s broader goal is pretty simple.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
The charter’s membership section, written in legalese that sounds not unlike an application to join the committee of an upscale golf club, says members will be invited by the chairman to participate for a three-year term, subject to renewal by Trump.
—Paul Beckett, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Jason Bateman should start brushing up on his legalese.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalese
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Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026
Though details of the EPA’s proposals are complex and filled with legalese, the agency’s broader goal is pretty simple.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026
The charter’s membership section, written in legalese that sounds not unlike an application to join the committee of an upscale golf club, says members will be invited by the chairman to participate for a three-year term, subject to renewal by Trump.
—Paul Beckett, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Jason Bateman should start brushing up on his legalese.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legalese
Cite this Entry
“Legalese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalese. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
legalese
noun
le·gal·ese
ˌlē-gə-ˈlēz, -ˈlēs
: the specialized language of the legal profession
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