subpoena
Subpoena (noun) means a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it. Example: “The witness received a subpoena to testify at the trial.”
How to use subpoena
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official legal demand to show up in court or hand over evidence — or the act of issuing that demand.
Word forms
subpoenaed past tense, subpoenas plural, subpoenae plural, subpoenæ plural, subpoenas singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The witness received a _____ to testify at the trial.
Etymology
From Latin sub poena, "under penalty" — the opening words of the original writ, from sub ("under") plus poena ("penalty").
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for subpoena
See all rhymes for subpoena →Frequently asked questions
What does “subpoena” mean?
The word “subpoena” means a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it. In plain terms, an official legal demand to show up in court or hand over evidence — or the act of issuing that demand.
How do you pronounce “subpoena”?
“Subpoena” is pronounced suh-PEE-nuh (/səˈpi.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “subpoena” in a sentence?
Here is “subpoena” used in a sentence: “The witness received a subpoena to testify at the trial.”
What part of speech is “subpoena”?
Depending on how it is used, “subpoena” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “subpoena” come from?
The word “subpoena” comes from Latin. From Latin sub poena, "under penalty" — the opening words of the original writ, from sub ("under") plus poena ("penalty").
Is “subpoena” a common word?
“Subpoena” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “subpoena” have?
“Subpoena” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a legal order requiring someone to appear in court or produce evidence, under threat of punishment for ignoring it.