search warrant

American  

noun

Law.

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of search warrant

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Typically, police use tips or leads to find suspects, then seek a search warrant from a judge to enter a house or other private area to seize the evidence that can prove a crime.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

The state insurance department launched "Operation Bear Claw", executing a search warrant and finding a bear outfit in the suspects' home.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

An FBI spokesperson said that its agents “followed all procedure to ensure everything was in proper order, and FBI evidence team had the necessary court-authorized search warrant before they arrived on site.”

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

When Stafford obtained the warrant for Perkins’ arrest in November, he also secured a search warrant to collect a sample of her saliva.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

After Etta, he said, the path to Ole Jurgensen was clear, and from Ole to Judge Lew Fielding’s chambers: Art had needed a search warrant.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• summons