noun
-
a trial made void because of some error, such as a defect in procedure
-
(in the US) an inconclusive trial, as when a jury cannot agree on a verdict
Etymology
Origin of mistrial
Explanation
When a judge cancels a trial, she declares a mistrial. In other words, she decides that some mistake has been made and the trial must begin again from the start, with a new jury. There are several reasons that a judge might declare a mistrial, including a hung jury, which is when the jury can't come to a unanimous decision. There might also be misconduct by an attorney, or improperly introduced evidence. A mistrial usually means having to start all over again. The noun mistrial begins with the prefix mis-, which comes from Old English and means "bad or wrong."
Vocabulary lists containing mistrial
Power Prefix: mis-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Just Mercy
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Dear Martin
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
According to the Associated Press, Weinstein appeared expressionless after the mistrial was announced and court officers escorted him out in his wheelchair.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
"I don't think that we're even remotely close to the issue of a mistrial."
From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026
A lawyer for Washington DC, also moved for a mistrial on behalf of the states.
From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026
Her attorney Jarrod Schaeffer of Abell Eskew Landau repeated that view on Monday after the mistrial was declared.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025
The jury was unable to reach a consensus regarding the felony murder charge, and a mistrial was declared on that count.
From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
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.
