noun
arraignment
uh-RAYN-muhnt
Arraignment (noun) means a court hearing where a defendant is formally told the charges against them and enters a plea. Example: “His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning.”
noun
1
A court hearing where a defendant is formally told the charges against them and enters a plea.
"His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning."
"She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment."
How to use arraignment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe court appearance where someone officially hears the charges against them and enters a plea.
When to use it
A legal/courtroom term, common in news coverage of criminal cases.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
arraignment hearing
scheduled for arraignment
plead at arraignment
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Word forms
- Plural
- arraignments
Fill the gap
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His _____ is scheduled for Monday morning.
Etymology
From "arraign" plus the suffix "-ment".
Rhymes for arraignment
See all rhymes for arraignment →Frequently asked questions
What does “arraignment” mean?
The word “arraignment” means a court hearing where a defendant is formally told the charges against them and enters a plea. In plain terms, the court appearance where someone officially hears the charges against them and enters a plea.
How do you pronounce “arraignment”?
“Arraignment” is pronounced uh-RAYN-muhnt (/əˈɹeɪnmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “arraignment” in a sentence?
Here is “arraignment” used in a sentence: “His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning.”
What part of speech is “arraignment”?
“Arraignment” is a noun.
