juror

American  

[joor-er, -awr] / ˈdʒʊər ər, -ɔr /

noun

1. one of a group of persons sworn to deliver a verdict in a case submitted to them; member of a jury.

2. one of the panel from which a jury is selected.

3. one of a group of people who judge a competition.

4. a person who has taken an oath or sworn allegiance.

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juror British  

/ ˈdʒʊərə /

noun

1. a member of a jury

2. a person whose name is included on a panel from which a jury is selected

3. a person who takes an oath

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Etymology

Origin of juror

1250–1300; Middle English jurour < Anglo-French (compare Old French jureur ), equivalent to Old French jur ( er ) to swear (< Latin jūrāre ) + -our -or ²

Explanation

Anyone who's a member of a jury in a court of law is called a juror. When you serve as a juror, you're part of a group that hears evidence in a trial and gives a verdict. When someone gets called for jury duty, it's an opportunity to be a juror for a trial. A juror is typically one of twelve people who swear to make an impartial, unbiased decision based on legal evidence. The jurors must come to a unanimous agreement about their verdict after all evidence is presented, generally either "guilty" or "not guilty." The Latin root is iuratorem, or "swearer," from iurare, "to swear."

Example Sentences

One alternate juror wept openly during the testimony in Los Angeles County Superior Court, wiping her tears on her sweater.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

At least four people in line have written books about the case, including Hirsch, co-author of a book with juror Amie Williams, who dialed in on FaceTime to say hello to old acquaintances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Maxwell’s claims of juror misconduct has previously failed to sway the court.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

A juror who collapsed a murder trial after doing his own research on the internet has been jailed for four months.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

So what? 8TH JUROR: Maybe there are. 3RD juror: SO what does that mean?

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose