voir dire

noun

ˈvwär-ˈdir

ˈwär-

: a preliminary examination to determine the competency of a witness or juror

Examples of voir dire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

What is voir dire and why is this happening without the jury? — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 Judges often limit and restrict lawyer questioning during voir dire. — The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024 Testimony is set to resume Wednesday with the voir dire of Gem Mutlu, Ana's former boss and friend. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Andrew Fone, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025 During voir dire, anyone who’s against capital punishment is excused from serving; the law demands that jurors remain amenable to all potential sentences. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for voir dire

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French, literally, to speak the truth

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of voir dire was in 1676

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VoIP

voir dire

voiture

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Voir dire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voir%20dire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

voir dire

1 of 2 noun

ˈvwär-ˈdir, ˈwär-

: a formal examination especially to determine qualification (as of a proposed witness)

the judge admitted the witness's expert testimony after a voir dire by the attorney

especially : the act or process of questioning prospective jurors to determine which are qualified (as by freedom from bias) and suited for service on a jury

voir dire

2 of 2 transitive verb

voir dired; voir diring

: to examine in a voir dire proceeding

a motion to voir dire the witness outside the presence of the jury

voir diring prospective jurors as to their beliefs concerning the death penalty—State v. Ortiz, 540 P.2d 850 (1975) (concur)

Etymology

Anglo-French, to speak the truth

voir dire

noun

Examples of voir dire in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Legal Definition

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