appellate

adjective

ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət How to pronounce appellate (audio)
: 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
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.
Trump is also challenging his conviction through the state court appellate process, which is pending. — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 That language would likely be persuasive with appellate courts. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026 In June, her attorneys appealed that decision, sending the matter to a state appellate court. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026 Nahhat's been an attorney for over 30 years, working as an adviser and trial and appellate lawyer in probate, criminal law, personal injury, real estate, and entertainment law. — Tristan McFolley, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appellate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of appellate was in 1765

Rhymes for appellate

See All Rhymes for appellate

Browse Nearby Words

appellant
appellate
appellation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appellate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appellate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appellate

adjective
ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpel-ət How to pronounce appellate (audio)
: having the power to review the decisions of a lower court
an appellate court

Legal Definition

appellate

adjective
ap·​pel·​late ə-ˈpe-lət How to pronounce appellate (audio)
: of or relating to appeals or the power to hear appeals
the appellate process
an appellate court
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