noun
Uncommon
magistrate
MAJ-ih-strayt
Magistrate (noun) means a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases. Example: “The case was heard by a local magistrate rather than going to a full trial.”
noun
1
A judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases.
"The case was heard by a local magistrate rather than going to a full trial."
"She volunteers as a magistrate, sitting in court one day a week."
"The magistrate fined the driver for parking in a restricted zone."
2
A senior civil official in a state or municipality, historically or in some modern systems.
"In ancient Rome, a consul was the highest elected magistrate."
"The town's chief magistrate led the council and signed all its official orders."
"Each city in the old republic elected a magistrate to run its daily affairs."
How to use magistrate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA judge who handles lower-level court cases, or historically, a senior government official.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
appear before a magistrate
magistrates' court
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like magistrate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- magistrates
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The case was heard by a local _____ rather than going to a full trial.
Etymology
From Latin magistratus, related to magister ("master").
Synonyms
View more →
justice of the peace
adjudicator
Related words
Rhymes for magistrate
See all rhymes for magistrate →Frequently asked questions
What does “magistrate” mean?
The word “magistrate” means a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases. In plain terms, a judge who handles lower-level court cases, or historically, a senior government official.
How do you pronounce “magistrate”?
“Magistrate” is pronounced MAJ-ih-strayt (/ˈmæd͡ʒ.ɪˌstɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “magistrate” in a sentence?
Here is “magistrate” used in a sentence: “The case was heard by a local magistrate rather than going to a full trial.”
What part of speech is “magistrate”?
“Magistrate” is a noun.
Where does the word “magistrate” come from?
The word “magistrate” comes from Latin. From Latin magistratus, related to magister ("master").
Is “magistrate” a common word?
“Magistrate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “magistrate” have?
“Magistrate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a judicial officer with limited authority who hears minor civil or criminal cases.
What is the difference between a magistrate and a judge?
A magistrate is a judicial officer with limited authority who typically hears minor civil or criminal cases, while a judge often has broader authority to preside over more serious or complex cases. In many systems, magistrates handle lower-level proceedings that free up judges for more significant matters.
What kinds of cases does a magistrate typically hear?
A magistrate typically hears minor civil or criminal cases, such as small claims, traffic violations, or preliminary hearings. Their authority is generally limited compared to higher courts.
Does magistrate always refer to a judicial role?
Not always. Historically, and in some modern systems, magistrate can also refer to a senior civil official in a state or municipality, rather than strictly a judicial officer. The specific meaning depends on the legal or historical context.
