courtroom

word

/ˈkɔɹˌtɹum/
KORT-room
/kˈɔːtɹuːm/
KAWT-room

Definition

A courtroom is the room in a courthouse where a judge, lawyers, and other people take part in a legal trial or hearing. It is the official space where court cases are heard.

Usage & Nuances

Used for the physical room, not the whole court system or the building. Common combinations are 'enter the courtroom', 'leave the courtroom', 'packed courtroom', and 'quiet courtroom'. Do not confuse it with 'courthouse', which means the building.

Example Sentences

The judge walked into the courtroom at nine o'clock.

basic

Everyone stood when she entered the courtroom.

basic

The courtroom was full of reporters.

basic

As soon as he stepped into the courtroom, the room went completely silent.

natural

I've never been in a courtroom before, so I had no idea where to sit.

natural

They cleared the courtroom after the hearing ended.

natural