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 Clements was employed after Madison had suffered difficulties sleeping in the afternoons.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The inquest was told rigor mortis - the stiffening of the body after death - had set in.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The inquest heard she should have been checked 12 times an hour - about every five minutes - to ensure she was safe and breathing.

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

By July 1921, the justice of the peace had closed his inquiries, stating that Anna Brown’s death had come at “the hands of parties unknown”—the same finding as delivered in the Whitehorn inquest.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• inquisition