inquest

American  

[in-kwest] / ˈɪn kwɛst /

noun

1. a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, especially an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.

   Synonyms:

   inquisition, hearing

2. the body of people appointed to hold such an inquiry, especially a coroner's jury.

3. the decision or finding based on such inquiry.

4. an investigation or examination.

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inquest British  

/ ˈɪnˌkwɛst /

noun

1. an inquiry into the cause of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death, or as to whether or not property constitutes treasure trove, held by a coroner, in certain cases with a jury

2. informal any inquiry or investigation

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Etymology

Origin of inquest

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin inquēsta, equivalent to Latin in- + quaesīta, plural (taken in Medieval Latin as feminine singular) of quaesītum “question”; replacing Middle English enqueste, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, as above; in- ², quest

Example Sentences

The inquest heard Ruthie Maternity Services trained individuals on one-day courses for a fee of £450.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Cherie was on hourly checks, the inquest into her death heard in July 2023.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Staff told the ambulance service that it was "a prank call", however the records note she had three seizures that day and the inquest heard no staff member asked her why she was seeking help.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The inquest heard it took seven minutes before CPR started because they were waiting for four staff members to lift Leona on to the floor.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

At the inquest, while Mollie seemed eager to answer every question, to make sure that nothing was missed, the justice of the peace and the jurors asked her barely anything.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• inquisition