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

Trash, we learn, is no longer private once it hits the curb: Sidewalks are public enough that no search warrant is needed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

The commission heard how both officials entered the premises of a logistics company in the east of Johannesburg without a search warrant.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The firearms were found through a federal search warrant of her home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies joined by soil scientists and ground radar experts and armed with a search warrant have been at the Arroyo Grande home of Susan Flores since Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

It's when she says that the social worker could be back in an hour with a search warrant to tear the house apart.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Related Words

• summons