de novo

adverb or adjective

de no·vo di-ˈnō-(ˌ)vō

dā-,

dē-

Synonyms of de novo

: over again : anew

a case tried de novo

Examples of de novo in a Sentence

since a mistrial was declared, the case will have to be tried de novo

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.

Kalver had de novo metastatic breast cancer, meaning the disease had spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to to distant areas of the body, before it was first diagnosed. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026 By contrast, government lawyers demanding payment of an FCC fine must prove to a jury in a de novo trial that the company violated the law. — ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026 The partnership, which includes licensing, co-development, and co-commercialization opportunities across a diverse portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates, will involve the research and development of 12 breakthrough early-stage and de novo cancer medicines, the company said in a filing. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 29 May 2026 The company is targeting de novo submission by the end of the year. — Naveen Rao, Forbes.com, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de novo

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of de novo was in 1536

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

denouncer

de novo

Denpasar

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“De novo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de%20novo. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

de novo

adverb or adjective

de no·vo dē-ˈnō-vō, dā-

: over again : as if for the first time: as

: allowing independent appellate determination of issues (as of fact or law)

a de novo review

: allowing complete retrial upon new evidence compare abuse of discretion, clearly erroneous

Note: A de novo review is an in-depth review. Decisions of federal administrative agencies are generally subject to de novo review in the U.S. District Courts, and some lower state court decisions are subject to de novo review at the next level.

Etymology

Medieval Latin, literally, from (the) new

de novo

adverb or adjective

Synonyms of de novo

Examples of de novo in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Legal Definition

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