Court
/kɔːrt/
Definitions
5 meaningsA place where justice is administered and legal cases are heard and decided.
/kɔːrt/
A place where legal cases are decided.
The trial took place in the local court.
💡 Simply: The 'court' is like a special room or building where judges and lawyers work to decide if someone has broken the law. If you watch a show about lawyers, you're probably watching something happening in a court!
👶 For kids: A court is a place where grown-ups called judges and lawyers make decisions about laws.
More Examples
She was summoned to court to testify.
The defendant appeared in court.
How It's Used
"The case was heard in the Supreme Court."
The sovereign and their retinue; a royal residence and its attendants.
/kɔːrt/
The people assembled in a formal gathering.
She was presented at the royal court.
💡 Simply: This 'court' is like the group of important people around a king or queen, like their advisors and friends.
👶 For kids: This 'court' is like the group of people around the king or queen, like their friends and helpers.
More Examples
The decisions were made by the king and his court.
The artist was a favorite of the court.
How It's Used
"The king's court was known for its extravagant feasts."
An area marked out for playing a game such as tennis or basketball.
/kɔːrt/
An area for playing sports.
The basketball game was played on a well-maintained court.
💡 Simply: This kind of 'court' is like the playing field for games like tennis or basketball.
👶 For kids: A court is a place where you play games like tennis or basketball.
More Examples
The tennis court was made of clay.
She practiced her serve on the practice court.
How It's Used
"They played tennis on the outdoor court."
To try to win the favor or affection of (someone), typically with the intention of marriage.
/kɔːrt/
To seek to win the favor or support of (someone).
He courted her with flowers and chocolates.
💡 Simply: To 'court' someone means you are trying to impress them and spend time with them because you like them and might want to be their friend or partner.
👶 For kids: To court is when you try to be friends with someone or impress them so that they like you.
More Examples
The politician courted the voters.
She was courted by many admirers.
How It's Used
"He spent months courting her before they started dating."
To try to get (something desired); to seek.
/kɔːrt/
The city courted new businesses to relocate.
💡 Simply: To 'court' can also mean trying to convince someone or win them over to get what you want, like a business trying to get an investor to invest.
👶 For kids: To court is when you try to get something that you want.
More Examples
The company courted investors with promising returns.
The charity courted donations during the fundraising event.
How It's Used
"The company courted investors to secure funding."
Idioms & expressions
court of law
A place where legal cases are heard.
"The defendant will appear in a court of law next week."
in court
In a legal setting, at a trial.
"She testified in court."
a day in court
An opportunity to present one's case or viewpoint, especially in a legal or formal setting.
"After months of waiting, she finally had her day in court to defend her reputation."
court martial
A judicial court for trying members of the armed services accused of offenses.
"The soldier was facing a court martial for disobeying orders."
From Old French *cort* or *curt*, derived from Latin *cors, cortis* meaning "an enclosed yard, an assembly, a retinue". Initially referring to a royal residence and its attendants, the meaning expanded to include the legal system and the act of seeking favor.
The term "court" has been used since the 13th century to refer to royal residences and their administration, later extending to legal institutions.
Memory tip
Think of the "court" as the place where important decisions are made.