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

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 notes

In 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.

Common pairings

arraignment hearing scheduled for arraignment plead at arraignment

Word forms

arraignments plural

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His _____ is scheduled for Monday morning.

Etymology

From "arraign" plus the suffix "-ment".

Rhymes for arraignment

alignment assignment consignment reassignment

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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.