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.
Clancy’s attorney Kevin Reddington then moved for a mistrial, arguing that her religion had been repeatedly brought up in witnesses testimony despite being irrelevant to the case. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The testimony came the day after the defense requested a mistrial when the forensic psychologist brought up Clancy’s Catholic faith, a request the judge denied. — Nbc News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 Heilbrun also mentioned Clancy’s Catholic faith, prompting a request for a mistrial from Reddington that Judge William Sullivan denied. — Michael Casey, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 On Monday, court ended after the defense unsuccessfully moved for a mistrial over mention of Clancy's religion. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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 1 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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