judiciary

noun

ju·​di·​cia·​ry jü-ˈdi-shē-ˌer-ē  -ˈdi-shə-rē 

1

a

: a system of courts of law

b

: the judges of these courts

2

: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested

judiciary adjective

Examples of judiciary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The court’s ruling on the Chevron doctrine, which overturned decades of precedent, has significant implications for the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch. —Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2025

If the judiciary does not deliver the documents soon, FOX45 is considering taking legal action. —Chris Papst, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2025

Legal experts said the pattern is unprecedented and threatens to undermine the judiciary. —Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 22 July 2025

House committees tasked with oversight and judiciary are expected to continue reviewing the declassified intelligence, with Republican leadership suggesting that subpoenas and further depositions could follow as more facts come to light. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

judiciary, adjective, from Latin judiciarius judicial, from judicium

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for judiciary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

judiciary

noun

ju·​di·​cia·​ry ju̇-ˈdish-ē-ˌer-ē  -ˈdish-ə-rē 

1

a

: a system of courts of law

b

: the judges of these courts

2

: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested

judiciary adjective

Legal Definition

judiciary

noun

ju·​di·​cia·​ry ju̇-ˈdi-shē-ˌer-ē, -ˈdi-shə-rē 

plural judiciaries

1

a

: a system of courts of law

b

: the judges of these courts

2

: a branch of government in which judicial power is vested compare executive, legislature

judiciary adjective