plural subpoenas
law
: a written order that commands someone to appear in court to give evidence
subpoenas; subpoenaed; subpoenaing
law
: to order someone to appear in court to give evidence : to issue a subpoena to (someone) or for (something)
He was subpoenaed to testify in a hearing.
The prosecutor subpoenaed the defendant's financial records.
Cite this Entry
“Subpoena.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/subpoena. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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