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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of search warrant

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

Ali Danial Hemani’s legal troubles began in 2022, when federal agents executed a search warrant at his family home, hoping to find evidence that he was connected to a terrorist group in the Middle East.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 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