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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

A class action lawsuit which could entitle millions in the UK to a share of a £3bn claim against Apple is set to proceed to trial.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

The other case is a proposed class action that would compensate policyholders for the higher premiums they paid to the plan.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2026

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

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