courthouse

noun

court·​house ˈkȯrt-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce courthouse (audio)
1
a
: a building in which courts of law are regularly held
b
: the principal building in which county offices are housed
2
: county seat

Examples of courthouse 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.
The voters who crowded into community halls, courthouses and a university lecture hall talked openly about Newsom’s presidential ambitions, even as Democrats try to keep the focus on November’s midterm elections. — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026 Many spent the hours of downtime chatting about the case; others read books or idly gazed out the lofty courthouse windows. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 Hundreds of people showed up at the courthouse to show support for Clancy, who many see as a victim of a health care system that doesn't provide effective support for new mothers. — Carmel Wroth, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 As Clancy’s trial has progressed, dozens of women wearing pink have appeared at organized rallies outside the courthouse in Plymouth, Massachusetts, holding signs signaling a kind of support for her. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courthouse

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of courthouse was in the 15th century

Rhymes for courthouse

See All Rhymes for courthouse

Browse Nearby Words

court holy water
courthouse
courtier
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Cite this Entry

“Courthouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courthouse. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

courthouse

noun
court·​house ˈkō(ə)rt-ˌhau̇s How to pronounce courthouse (audio)
ˈkȯ(ə)rt-
: a building in which courts of law are held or county offices are located

Legal Definition

courthouse

noun
court·​house
: a building in which court is regularly held
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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