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jury

1
[ joor-ee ]
/ ˈdʒʊər i /
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noun, plural ju·ries.
a group of persons sworn to render a verdict or true answer on a question or questions officially submitted to them.
such a group selected according to law and sworn to inquire into or determine the facts concerning a cause or an accusation submitted to them and to render a verdict to a court.Compare grand jury, petty jury.
a group of persons chosen to adjudge prizes, awards, etc., as in a competition.
verb (used with object), ju·ried, ju·ry·ing.
to judge or evaluate by means of a jury: All entries will be juried by a panel of professionals.
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Idioms about jury

    the jury is (still) out, a decision, determination, or opinion has yet to be rendered: The jury is still out on the president's performance.

Origin of jury

1
1250–1300; Middle English jurie, juree,<Old French juree oath, juridical inquiry, noun use of juree, feminine past participle of jurer to swear; cf. jurat

grammar notes for jury

OTHER WORDS FROM jury

ju·ry·less, adjective

Other definitions for jury (2 of 2)

jury2
[ joor-ee ]
/ ˈdʒʊər i /

adjective Nautical.
makeshift or temporary, as for an emergency: a jury mast.

Origin of jury

2
1610–20; compare jury mast (early 17th century), of obscure origin; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English i(u)were help, aid, aphetic form of Old French ajurie, derivative of aidier to aid, with -rie-ry
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use jury in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for jury (1 of 2)

jury1
/ (ˈdʒʊərɪ) /

noun plural -ries
a group of, usually twelve, people sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the evidence upon a case presented in a court of lawSee also grand jury, petit jury
a body of persons appointed to judge a competition and award prizes
the jury is still out informal it has not yet been decided or agreed on

Word Origin for jury

C14: from Old French juree, from jurer to swear; see juror

British Dictionary definitions for jury (2 of 2)

jury2
/ (ˈdʒʊərɪ) /

adjective
mainly nautical (in combination) makeshiftjury-rigged

Word Origin for jury

C17: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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