tribunal

American  

[trahy-byoon-l, trih-] / traɪˈbyun l, trɪ- /

noun

1. a court of justice.

2. a place or seat of judgment.

3. Also called tribune.  a raised platform for the seats of magistrates, as in an ancient Roman basilica.

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tribunal British  

/ trɪ-, traɪˈbjuːnəl /

noun

1. a court of justice or any place where justice is administered

2. (in Britain) a special court, convened by the government to inquire into a specific matter

3. a raised platform containing the seat of a judge or magistrate, originally that in a Roman basilica

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Etymology

Origin of tribunal

1520–30; < Latin tribūnal, tribūnāle judgment seat, equivalent to tribūn ( us ) tribune ¹ + -āl ( e ) -al ²

Example Sentences

But last month the Londoner won a significant employment appeal tribunal that could affect how employers are allowed to treat employees with endometriosis.

From BBC

One woman told the tribunal that Gilbert had been the "golden boy" of his department, and that he was the "be-all and end-all for transplants in Oxford".

From BBC

There was also a record number of tribunals in 2024/25, where parents disagreed with a refusal to offer support, or were challenging the level of support offered.

From BBC

She was sentenced to death for the crackdown in 2024 by Bangladesh's war crimes tribunal last year.

From BBC

Hehir was dismissed by his employer, Metroline, for gross misconduct, a decision that went on to be upheld at an employment tribunal.

From BBC

Related Words

• board
• committee
• judge
• justice