small-claims court
noun
a special court established to handle small claims or debts, usually without the services of lawyers.
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small claims court
small claims courtnouna local court with jurisdiction to try civil actions involving small claims
small-claims court
American
[smawl-kleymz]
/ ˈsmɔlˈkleɪmz /
noun
small claims court
British
noun
Etymology
Origin of small-claims court
First recorded in 1920–25
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
If that fails, file a case in small-claims court with the same documentation.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 26, 2026
A fan suing LeBron James in small-claims court after buying Lakers tickets thinking the NBA icon was retiring drops the case after a sports-betting app intervenes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2025
Ashanti had represented his wife in small-claims court in a dispute with her former employer, a nonprofit wholly owned by a city agency — a clear conflict of interest.
From Salon ● Dec. 21, 2022
Even though attorneys aren’t allowed in small-claims court, renters can feel outgunned if going up against a landlord or property management company in front of a judge.
From Seattle Times ● May 22, 2022
When Andrew Epstein didn’t respond to the mediator, she considered suing Larson in small-claims court.
From New York Times ● Oct. 5, 2021
"Four women working at the small claims court were slightly injured," the head of the judiciary employees' union in Athens, Stratis Dounias, told the broadcaster.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
He said he was determined to take the case to the small claims court because the holiday had been a gift from his late mother.
From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2025
I’m ready to take him to small claims court.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2023
Davis has sued Hudson in small claims court.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 7, 2023
However, their landlord can pursue action in small claims court for the unpaid rent.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
