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.

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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

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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.”

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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

He said he had a scheduled call that day with Ruemmler to discuss his work on a legal motion to quash a subpoena directed at Epstein.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wexner, the former Victoria’s Secret boss, had been subpoenaed to testify before the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating the government’s handling of the Epstein case.

From The Wall Street Journal

In its letter, Mashele Attorneys also raised concern over another subpoena it said had been issued by police to the funeral home looking after Lungu's body.

From BBC

The former prince cannot be forced by a subpoena to go to the US, which has caused a lot of frustration.

From BBC

Her office is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who last month said the Fed had received grand jury subpoenas relating to his June 2025 testimony to Congress regarding its building construction project.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• decree
• mandate
• summons
• warrant