noun

bailiff

BAY-lihf

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Bailiff (noun) means a court officer responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and enforcing the judge's orders. Example: “The bailiff escorted the jury out of the room.”

noun

A court officer responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and enforcing the judge's orders.

"The bailiff escorted the jury out of the room."

An officer who enforces court orders such as evictions or seizure of property to repay a debt.

"Bailiffs arrived to repossess the furniture after the debt went unpaid."

How to use bailiff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA law-enforcement officer who keeps order in court or carries out court orders like debt collection and evictions.

UK vs US

In the UK, a bailiff typically enforces debts and evictions; in the US, a bailiff usually just keeps order in the courtroom, while debt enforcement falls to other officials.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bailiffs

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ escorted the jury out of the room.

Etymology

From Middle English baillif, via Anglo-Norman and Old French, ultimately from Latin baiulus ("porter, steward") — the same root as bail.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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steward overseer

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bailiff” mean?

The word “bailiff” means a court officer responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and enforcing the judge's orders. In plain terms, a law-enforcement officer who keeps order in court or carries out court orders like debt collection and evictions.

How do you pronounce “bailiff”?

“Bailiff” is pronounced BAY-lihf (/ˈbeɪlɪf/ in IPA).

How do you use “bailiff” in a sentence?

Here is “bailiff” used in a sentence: “The bailiff escorted the jury out of the room.”

What is another word for “bailiff”?

Words with a similar meaning to “bailiff” include steward and overseer.

What part of speech is “bailiff”?

“Bailiff” is a noun.

Where does the word “bailiff” come from?

The word “bailiff” comes from Latin. From Middle English baillif, via Anglo-Norman and Old French, ultimately from Latin baiulus ("porter, steward") — the same root as bail.

How many meanings does “bailiff” have?

“Bailiff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a court officer responsible for keeping order in the courtroom and enforcing the judge's orders.

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