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

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

Tamasi recalled asking Jones to make sure the tablet was included in the search warrant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The cats and dogs were found as a part of a morning search warrant served by Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Friday morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Shipton said police forced entry into his property and served him with a search warrant under the National Security Act 2023.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Again, she would have shown up at the apartment door by now with a search warrant if she knew about it.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• summons