prosecutor

noun

pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈprä-si-ˌkyü-tər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
Synonyms of prosecutornext
1
: a person who institutes a prosecution before a court
2
: prosecuting attorney

Examples of prosecutor 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.
King took a DNA test in May after prosecutors introduced the allegation in court filings, causing his trial to be delayed. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026 Twiggs said in the April interview with prosecutors and investigators that Robinson sometimes talked about politics, including Trump. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 The motive, prosecutors allege, was a rivalry between Fiapoto’s gang, Tre-4, and McDougal’s gang, Double Rock. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 July 2026 After Thursday’s verdict, May’s sister, the prosecutor and acting Chula Vista Police Chief Dan Peak said the search for May’s body will continue. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prosecutor

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosecutor was in 1593

Rhymes for prosecutor

See All Rhymes for prosecutor

Browse Nearby Words

prosecution
prosecutor
prosecutorial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prosecutor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosecutor. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prosecutor

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈpräs-i-ˌkyüt-ər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
: a person (as a district attorney) who prosecutes especially a criminal case as lawyer for the state

Legal Definition

prosecutor

noun
pros·​e·​cu·​tor ˈprä-si-ˌkyü-tər How to pronounce prosecutor (audio)
1
: a person who institutes a prosecution (as by making an affidavit or complaint charging the defendant)
2
: a government attorney who presents the state's case against the defendant in a criminal prosecution
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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