an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
"The lawyer stood before the court to argue her client's case against the evidence presented by the prosecution."
the sovereign and his advisers who are the governing power of a state
"The new law was ratified by court without any opposition from the lower houses."
a specially marked horizontal area within which a game is played
"players had to reserve a court in advance"
Australian woman tennis player who won many major championships (born in 1947)
"After watching a documentary about Court, my son decided to take up tennis at his local club."
the family and retinue of a sovereign or prince
"The new king spent his first month reviewing the customs and grievances of his sprawling court before issuing any decrees."
a hotel for motorists; provides direct access from rooms to parking area
"The manager decided to renovate the old motel into an exclusive court where every guest room connects directly to the parking lot."
a tribunal that is presided over by a magistrate or by one or more judges who administer justice according to the laws
"The lawyer argued her case before the court, hoping the judge would rule in her favor."
An enclosed space; a courtyard; an uncovered area shut in by the walls of a building, or by different buildings; also, a space opening from a street and nearly surrounded by houses; a blind alley.
"The old apartment building has a small, sunlit court where neighbors often gather to chat after work."
In plain English: A court is a special room where judges and lawyers meet to decide legal cases.
"The tennis court was too slippery after the rain."
Usage: Use "court" to refer to an open space within or between buildings, such as a courtyard or an enclosed area off a street. Avoid using it for a legal tribunal unless specifically discussing the physical location of the hearing rather than the judicial body itself.
To seek to achieve or win.
"She decided to court the favor of her new boss by bringing him his favorite coffee every morning."
In plain English: To court means to try to win someone's affection by being nice and paying attention to them.
"She decided to court his friendship by inviting him to lunch every day."
Usage: Use the verb court when you actively try to gain favor with someone or something, such as courting approval from a boss or courting public attention. Avoid using it simply to mean visiting a place unless you are referring to seeking an audience with a ruler in a specific context.
A surname, from Middle English for someone who worked or lived in a court.
"The Judge Court ruled that the case should proceed to trial next week."
The word "court" comes from Late Latin cōrs, which was contracted from cohors meaning an enclosure or group of people. It entered English via Old French to describe various enclosed spaces, such as a royal hall for hearing cases or the playing area in tennis.