court-martial
Americannoun
plural
courts-martial, court-martials-
a court consisting of military or naval personnel appointed by a commander to try charges of offenses by soldiers, sailors, etc., against military or naval law.
-
a trial by such a court.
-
a conviction by such a court.
He lost his privileges because of his court-martial.
-
a session of such a court.
He attended the court-martial this morning.
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of court-martial
First recorded in 1565–75; earlier martial court
Explanation
A court-martial is a special legal trial for members of the military. When someone in the armed forces is accused of a crime, they are usually subject to court-martial. Court-martial is the official name of a military court, or for a trial within that kind of court. Active military members are subject to a separate set of laws from civilians, and part of that military legal process involves facing a judge in a court-martial. Criminal offenses like theft and assault are tried this way, as are military-specific crimes like desertion. Martial means "pertaining to war."
Vocabulary lists containing court-martial
Fallen Angels
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The Martian
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The Judicial Branch
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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 2021, a court-martial dismissed Villamide for negligence and sentenced other officers to up to 45 days in jail for concealing information.
From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026
The Pentagon said on Monday that further action may be taken against Kelly, including a recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures.
From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025
On Monday, the Department of Defense announced a probe into Kelly, saying the congressman could be recalled to face a court-martial.
From Salon • Nov. 24, 2025
All nine men will face court-martial, the spokesman said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025
“I’d like your opinion, sir. You are the second-ranking officer in this army. Do you believe that these court-martial papers should be signed?”
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
