prosecuting attorney

American  

noun

(sometimes initial capital letters)

1. the public officer in a county, district, or other jurisdiction charged with carrying on the prosecution in criminal proceedings.

---

prosecuting attorney British  

noun

1. law (in some states) an officer in a judicial district appointed to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state and people

---

Etymology

Origin of prosecuting attorney

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The prosecuting attorney also indicated that although Nevada is looking to extradite Morris, it is also willing to consider dismissing the charges if Morris’ debts are paid in full.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025

Also concerned about the DNA, the local prosecuting attorney, Wesley Bell, requested a hearing.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

Bush went on to run for Congress, while Bell ran for City Council and then became the first Black prosecuting attorney of St. Louis County.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2024

When asked by prosecuting attorney Susan Hoffinger whether or not he thought it was wrong, Cohen said that he thought it was.

From Salon • May 20, 2024

The prosecuting attorney must have sent this, I reasoned.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Related Words

• government
• prosecutor