search warrant

American  

noun

Law.

• search warrants
  plural

1. a court order authorizing the examination of a dwelling or other private premises by police officials, as for stolen goods.

---

search warrant British  

noun

1. a written order issued by a justice of the peace authorizing a constable or other officer to enter and search premises for stolen goods, drugs, etc

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• search warrants
  plural

Etymology

Origin of search warrant

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

search warrant

Exactly three months later, when Walter arrived in his private plane at Chicago Midway International Airport, federal agents stepped forward with a search warrant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

FBI agents executed a search warrant on Walter’s mobile phone at Midway International Airport in Chicago on Sept. 18, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller confirmed a related search warrant was served at Ontario International Airport.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

A copy of the search warrant affidavit obtained by local news outlet Lost Coast Outpost corroborates the details of Raymond’s account.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

There's a pause, and the silence is filled with questions, questions like, "Where is he—really?" and "Do you know how fast I could have a search warrant?" and "You know this isn't over, don't you?"

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Related Words

• summons