appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət 

: of, relating to, or recognizing appeals

specifically : having the power to review the judgment of another tribunal

an appellate court

Examples of appellate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lynn Reaser, economist NO: The appellate court’s upholding of NEM 3 is a best compromise solution. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2024

Some attorneys for women argue that the New York appellate ruling demonstrates that, even with the attention that the #MeToo movement generated, there are still obstacles for victims seeking justice. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin appellātus, past participle of appellāre "to appeal against a judgment," going back to Latin, "to speak to, address, apply to for support, refer to a higher authority" — more at appeal entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpel-ət 

: having the power to review the decisions of a lower court

an appellate court

Legal Definition

appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət 

: of or relating to appeals or the power to hear appeals

the appellate process

an appellate court