mistrial

noun

mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l 

: a trial that has no legal effect with regard to one or more of the charges brought against the defendant because of some serious error or prejudicial misconduct in the proceedings or a hung jury

Examples of mistrial in a Sentence

The judge declared a mistrial.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1991, Kim took the stand at Betty's second criminal trial after the first ended in a mistrial. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026

Her first trial ended in a mistrial in 1990 after two of the jurors held out for manslaughter charges, citing a lack of intent. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Her first trial ended in a mistrial in 1990 after jurors deadlocked, with two jurors reportedly favoring manslaughter convictions rather than murder. —Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Broderick was tried in 1990 for the murders, but the case ended in a mistrial. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mistrial

• dial
• rial
• thiol
• trial
• vial
• denial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• sensorial

Kids Definition

mistrial

noun

mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l 

: a trial that is cancelled because of an error in the proceedings

Legal Definition

mistrial

noun

mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī-əl 

: a trial that terminates without a verdict because of error, necessity, prejudicial misconduct, or a hung jury see also manifest necessity compare dismissal sense 2, trial de novo