noun
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a trial made void because of some error, such as a defect in procedure
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(in the US) an inconclusive trial, as when a jury cannot agree on a verdict
Etymology
Origin of mistrial
Explanation
When a judge cancels a trial, she declares a mistrial. In other words, she decides that some mistake has been made and the trial must begin again from the start, with a new jury. There are several reasons that a judge might declare a mistrial, including a hung jury, which is when the jury can't come to a unanimous decision. There might also be misconduct by an attorney, or improperly introduced evidence. A mistrial usually means having to start all over again. The noun mistrial begins with the prefix mis-, which comes from Old English and means "bad or wrong."
Vocabulary lists containing mistrial
Power Prefix: mis-
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Just Mercy
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Dear Martin
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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.
"I don't think that we're even remotely close to the issue of a mistrial."
From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026
A lawyer for Washington DC, also moved for a mistrial on behalf of the states.
From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026
A mistrial was declared Monday in the trial of former New York state aide Linda Sun as jurors deadlocked over allegations that she became rich from acting as a Chinese agent.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025
Pearce’s co-defendant, 46-year-old Brant Osborn, is headed to a pretrial appointment on Nov. 18; after a mistrial in February, he will probably face a second trial.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2025
The jury was unable to reach a consensus regarding the felony murder charge, and a mistrial was declared on that count.
From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
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.
