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abbreviation

SCOTUS

SKOH-tuhs

SCOTUS (abbreviation) means the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the American federal system and the final authority on what the Constitution means. Example: “SCOTUS declined to hear the appeal, letting the lower court's ruling stand.”

abbreviation
1
The Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the American federal system and the final authority on what the Constitution means.
"SCOTUS declined to hear the appeal, letting the lower court's ruling stand."
"The case is expected to reach SCOTUS next term."

How to use SCOTUS

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAmerica's highest court.

When to use it

Journalistic shorthand; court documents and formal writing use the full name.

Memory tip

Written in capitals and treated as singular: SCOTUS has ruled, not SCOTUS have ruled.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
POTUS FLOTUS circuit court
Common pairings
SCOTUS ruling SCOTUS nominee SCOTUS docket before SCOTUS
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Test yourself on “SCOTUS” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ declined to hear the appeal, letting the lower court's ruling stand.

Etymology

An acronym of Supreme Court of the United States.

Origin: English

the Supreme Court the high court

Rhymes for SCOTUS

See all rhymes for SCOTUS →

Frequently asked questions

How many justices are on SCOTUS?

Nine: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The number is set by Congress rather than by the Constitution, and it has changed several times in American history, settling at nine since 1869.

What is the difference between SCOTUS and POTUS?

They are parallel acronyms for different branches. SCOTUS is the Supreme Court of the United States, the judicial branch; POTUS is the President of the United States, the executive branch. FLOTUS, the First Lady, follows the same pattern.

What is the meaning of SCOTUS?

"SCOTUS" (abbreviation) means the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the American federal system and the final authority on what the Constitution means.

What is another word for SCOTUS?

Other words for "SCOTUS" include the Supreme Court, the high court.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial