noun
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a person who appeals
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law the party who appeals to a higher court from the decision of a lower tribunal
adjective
Etymology
Origin of appellant
1400–50; late Middle English appellaunt < Anglo-French; Old French apelant, present participle of apeler to appeal; see -ant
Compare meaning
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Explanation
An appellant is someone who has filed a request asking a judge to change an earlier legal decision. When someone who's been convicted of a crime files an appeal, hoping for a different outcome in a new courtroom, they become an appellant. Usually with the help of an attorney, the appellant submits written arguments in favor of an appeal to a judge. The opposing side does the same, and the judge decides whether or not the case warrants another trial. Appellant is from the French appeller, "make an appeal," and a Latin root meaning "appeal to."
Vocabulary lists containing appellant
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In particular, it concluded that the appellant cannot rely on the fact that another individual -- who had also faced prosecution in connection with the events in Guatemala -- was acquitted in Austria."
From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026
After another brief exchange of words, the appellant participated without further incident in the flag-raising detail.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2025
"Nothing in this judgement should be taken in any way to detract from the gravity of the offences committed by this appellant," they said.
From BBC ● May 14, 2024
“We conclude the trial court failed to take some necessary factors into account during sentencing when considering whether appellant was eligible for probation,” he wrote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2024
The Gloucester faction quickly gained the upper hand, and the earl was one, and perhaps the most bitter, of the lords appellant.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various
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