probate court

noun

: a court that has jurisdiction chiefly over the probate of wills and administration of deceased persons' estates

Examples of probate court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The testator can appoint or nominate the executor(s), subject to the probate court’s approval. Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 After the city council's approval, the agreement will be sent to the probate court to be finalized. Deena Zaru, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 The division of the settlement is subject to an agreement among the Jefferson family, and the settlement amount is subject to final approval by a probate court. Emily Holshouser august 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 The settlement still requires probate court approval before becoming final. Doug Myers, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probate court

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probate court was in 1726

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Cite this Entry

“Probate court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probate%20court. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

probate court

noun
: a court that probates wills and administers estates of deceased persons

Legal Definition

probate court

noun
: a court that has jurisdiction over the probate of wills and administration of estates and sometimes over the affairs of minors and persons adjudged incompetent compare orphans' court
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