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.

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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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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

Lucy said she had had no idea of her ex-husband's offending until police knocked on their door with a search warrant to seize his devices and arrested him.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Later, he said that authorities obtained video of three coming and going from the apartment from the complex’s security, which helped detectives with a search warrant.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

Rodger said a second incident involving Doherty on 6 March 2024, saw her access details about a search warrant being executed and pass on details about it to the same man as before.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

CHP investigators said they later executed a search warrant at Valdez’s home.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 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