subpoena

American  

[suh-pee-nuh, suhb-] / səˈpi nə, səb- /

Or subpena

noun

1. the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body.

---

verb (used with object)

subpoenaed, subpoenaing

1. to serve with a subpoena.

subpoena British  

/ səbˈpiːnə, səˈpiːnə /

noun

1. a writ issued by a court of justice requiring a person to appear before the court at a specified time

---

verb

1. (tr) to serve with a subpoena

subpoena Cultural  

1. An order of a court, a legislature, or a grand jury compelling a witness to be present at a trial or hearing, under penalty of fine or imprisonment. Subpoena is Latin for “under penalty.”

---

Etymology

Origin of subpoena

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin sub poenā “under penalty” (the first words of the writ)

Example Sentences

The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Rather than fight it, Smith’s team simply abandoned its subpoena attempt, suggesting it knew there was a problem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"This subpoena is completely unnecessary," the justice department told the BBC on Tuesday.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

The committee’s top Democrat praised the subpoena in a statement.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

The FBI also delivered a subpoena to Lynda Sinay’s door.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• decree
• mandate
• summons
• warrant