subpoena

American  

[suh-pee-nuh, suhb-] / səˈpi nə, səb- /

Or subpena

noun

1. the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body.

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verb (used with object)

subpoenas, present (3rd person singular) subpoenaed, past participle, past subpoenaing present participle

1. to serve with a subpoena.

subpoena British  

/ səbˈpiːnə, səˈpiːnə /

noun

1. a writ issued by a court of justice requiring a person to appear before the court at a specified time

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verb

1. (tr) to serve with a subpoena

subpoena Cultural  

1. An order of a court, a legislature, or a grand jury compelling a witness to be present at a trial or hearing, under penalty of fine or imprisonment. Subpoena is Latin for “under penalty.”

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Other Word Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have subpoenaed
  perfect
• has subpoenaed
  perfect 3rd person singular
• are subpoenaing
  progressive
• have been subpoenaing
  perfect progressive
• am subpoenaing
  progressive 1st person singular
• is subpoenaing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been subpoenaing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• subpoenas
  singular 3rd person
• subpoenaing
  participle

Past

• had subpoenaed
  perfect
• had been subpoenaing
  perfect progressive
• was subpoenaing
  progressive singular
• subpoenaed
  participle
• were subpoenaing
  progressive plural
• subpoenaed
  simple

Future

• will subpoena
  simple
• will have subpoenaed
  perfect
• will be subpoenaing
  progressive
• will have been subpoenaing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of subpoena

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin sub poenā “under penalty” (the first words of the writ)

Explanation

A subpoena is a document that requires its recipient to appear in court as a witness. If you receive a subpoena, it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong; it just means you may have information that's needed by the court. Subpoena can also be a verb: You can subpoena someone by giving them a subpoena. If you receive a subpoena but fail to carry out its instructions, you're in big trouble. This fact is suggested by the Latin roots of this word: the prefix sub- means "under" and poena means "penalty." One nice thing about a subpoena is that it's not a summons; if you get one of those, it means you're being sued.

Example Sentences

The astronomical cost of tickets, a subpoena over ticket practices, criticism of Fifa over hotel bookings and transport prices have dogged the build-up.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

One subpoena sought records for p-card transactions linked to Mayor Derrick Henry, including a $1,121 charge at Hotel President in Budapest, where he spoke at a 2023 summit aimed at fostering closer U.S.-Hungary ties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

State officials are investigating that deal, including a subpoena from the California Energy Commission seeking details about the payout.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

So far NYU Langone Health is the only hospital system to publicly disclose its receipt of the subpoena, done in compliance with New York’s shield law that requires disclosure within 30 days.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

“Sign here, and that lets the judge know you received this subpoena to appear in court.”

From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe

Related Words

• decree
• mandate
• summons
• warrant