search warrant

noun

: a warrant authorizing a search (as of a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions

Examples of search warrant 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.
Davenport said a search warrant was executed Monday after an investigation into Kohut. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 In July 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Davis’ home and took items into evidence, including two large bins filled to the brim with papers and photographs containing old newspaper articles about Shakur before and after his death. Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Over the next 17 months, detectives executed dozens of search warrants, collected hundreds of items of evidence and reviewed extensive video, records and other information, police said. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Troopers found a third set of remains lying in a sleeping bag and no signs of a struggle, the search warrant said. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for search warrant

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of search warrant was in 1739

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Search warrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/search%20warrant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

search warrant

noun
: a warrant making legal a search of a specified place (as a house) for stolen goods or unlawful possessions (as illegal drugs)

Legal Definition

search warrant

see also:
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!