prosecutor

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈprä-si-ˌkyü-tər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
1
: a person who institutes a prosecution before a court
2

Examples of prosecutor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both his lawyers and prosecutors did not respond to requests for comment. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau previously said one of the suspects was preparing to fly out of the country at the time of the arrest. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 The 20-year-old Palestinian American, who prosecutors say supports Hamas and Hezbollah, was charged with multiple federal hate crimes. Eric Shawn, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 Federal prosecutors said the first victim, a 17-year-old asleep in a middle seat, woke up to see Usiripalli standing over him with the fork from the recent meal service. Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prosecutor

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosecutor was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Prosecutor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosecutor. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prosecutor

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈpräs-i-ˌkyüt-ər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
: a person (as a district attorney) who prosecutes especially a criminal case as lawyer for the state

Legal Definition

prosecutor

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈprä-si-ˌkyü-tər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
1
: a person who institutes a prosecution (as by making an affidavit or complaint charging the defendant)
2
: a government attorney who presents the state's case against the defendant in a criminal prosecution
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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