mistrial

noun

mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l How to pronounce mistrial (audio)
: a trial that has no legal effect with regard to one or more of the charges brought against the defendant because of some serious error or prejudicial misconduct in the proceedings or a hung jury

Examples of mistrial in a Sentence

The judge declared a mistrial.
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.
If the jurors still cannot do so, the judge will declare a mistrial, ending the trial without a resolution and leaving open the possibility of another trial. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial ended the fifth day of deliberations with no verdict, saying Wednesday they were deadlocked a second time — and the judge could declare a mistrial if they’re deadlocked a third time. — Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 If the jury can't reach a unanimous verdict, Judge William Sullivan will declare a mistrial, leaving prosecutors to decide whether to retry Clancy. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Retired Massachusetts Superior Judge Jack Lu told Fox News Digital that the deadlock note doesn't necessarily signal a mistrial is likely, and said a verdict is still possible. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mistrial

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mistrial was in 1628

Rhymes for mistrial

See All Rhymes for mistrial

Browse Nearby Words

mistress-ship
mistrial
mistrust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mistrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mistrial. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mistrial

noun
mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l How to pronounce mistrial (audio)
: a trial that is cancelled because of an error in the proceedings

Legal Definition

mistrial

noun
mis·​tri·​al ˈmis-ˌtrī-əl How to pronounce mistrial (audio)
: a trial that terminates without a verdict because of error, necessity, prejudicial misconduct, or a hung jury see also manifest necessity compare dismissal sense 2, trial de novo

More from Merriam-Webster on mistrial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mistrial

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