jury

¹

[joor-ee]

noun

plural

juries 

1. a group of persons sworn to render a verdict or true answer on a question or questions officially submitted to them.

2. such a group selected according to law and sworn to inquire into or determine the facts concerning a cause or an accusation submitted to them and to render a verdict to a court.

3. a group of persons chosen to adjudge prizes, awards, etc., as in a competition.

verb (used with object)

juried, jurying 

1. to judge or evaluate by means of a jury.

   All entries will be juried by a panel of professionals.

jury

²

[joor-ee]

adjective

Nautical.

1. makeshift or temporary, as for an emergency.

   a jury mast.

jury

¹

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

noun

1. a group of, usually twelve, people sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the evidence upon a case presented in a court of law See also grand jury petit jury

2. a body of persons appointed to judge a competition and award prizes

3. informal,  it has not yet been decided or agreed on

jury

²

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

adjective

1. nautical (in combination) makeshift

   jury-rigged

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• juryless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

1250–1300; Middle English jurie, juree, < Old French juree oath, juridical inquiry, noun use of juree, feminine past participle of jurer to swear; jurat

Origin of jury²

1610–20; compare jury mast (early 17th century), of obscure origin; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English i ( u ) were help, aid, aphetic form of Old French ajurie, derivative of aidier to aid, with -rie -ry

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

C14: from Old French juree, from jurer to swear; see _juror

Origin of jury²

C17: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. the jury is (still) out, a decision, determination, or opinion has yet to be rendered.

   The jury is still out on the president's performance.

Example Sentences

The award, officially called the Ballon d'Or Feminin, recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists.

From BBC

At a trial this summer, the jury found that Geragos aided and abetted Avenatti and ultimately breached his duties as a lawyer, but the panel determined that Franklin was not substantially harmed by Geragos.

From Los Angeles Times

Chris Webster was a key witness in Patterson's trial, at which a jury found her guilty of killing three relatives and attempting to kill another with a deadly mushroom lunch in 2023.

From BBC

The influential 84-year-old media figure has denied all charges and the case - which will now be heard before a magistrate, not a jury - will return to court next month.

From BBC

Ferguson was first put on trial in March, but a mistrial was declared when the jury deadlocked on a charge of second-degree murder.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• board 
• tribunal