probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant.

The police had probable cause to arrest him.

Recent Examples on the Web

Security camera footage from a nearby residence showed the Durango parked in a driveway when three suspects approached the vehicle’s driver’s side and spoke engaged with Mitchell, the probable cause statement said. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

One of the officers had previously issued warnings and a violation notice to Gatz for having the campfires during fire restrictions, according to the probable cause statement. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 July 2026

Prosecutors need to show probable cause for the charges against Robinson. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Nikollbibaj is due back in court July 10 for a probable cause conference. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probable cause

• magnetopause
• ahs
• baas
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws

Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:

cause sense 2