class action

American  

noun

1. a legal proceeding in which persons representing interests common to a large group participate as representatives of the group or class.

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class action British  

noun

1. law a legal action undertaken by one or more people representing the interests of a large group of people with the same grievance

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Other Word Forms

• class-action
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of class action

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

class action

“They were asking for a signature on a ‘petition’ but I think it was actually to sign with this firm for a class action lawsuit,” wrote Rosalie Alaniz.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

After word spread that a local attorney was starting a class action, residents said they were besieged by out-of-town lawyers competing aggressively for their business.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

Separately, two World Cup fans have filed a lawsuit against StubHub in a proposed class action on Tuesday, accusing the resale platform of failing to deliver tickets they had paid for.

From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026

A reopened 2015 class action adds uncertainty but exposure is largely contained by insurance, Wallington says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

When this book went to press, they were contemplating class action.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot