superior court

noun

1
: a court of general jurisdiction intermediate between the inferior courts (such as a justice of the peace court) and the higher appellate courts
2
: a court with juries having original jurisdiction

Examples of superior court 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 Buss family is asking a superior court judge to dismiss Jeanie Buss’ petition to block Lakers share sale. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Following the jury's verdict, a superior court judge sentenced Williams to 40 years, with the first 35 in prison and the rest on probation. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The teen is being charged as an adult under Georgia's SB440 law, which gives adult superior courts jurisdiction over teenagers aged 13 to 17 accused of specific violent felonies. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Hearn's attorneys, meanwhile, have asked a superior court judge to order the Justice Department to turn over evidence as part of discovery in the case. — Jack Date, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superior court

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of superior court was in 1584

Rhymes for superior court

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Browse Nearby Words

superior conjunction
superior court
superioress
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Cite this Entry

“Superior court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superior%20court. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

superior court

noun
often capitalized S&C
1
: a court of general jurisdiction intermediate between the inferior courts and the higher appellate courts
2
: a court having original jurisdiction and conducting jury trials
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