Type any word!

Bailiffs Meaning in English

word · lemma: bailiff

ˈbeɪɫəfs
BAY-luhfs
bˈeɪlɪfs
BAY-liffs

Definition

Bailiffs are officials who keep order in courts, help enforce court orders, or deliver legal documents. In some places, they may help remove people from property when ordered by the court.

Usage & Nuances

'Bailiff' is more common in the UK for court officials and debt enforcement. In the US, 'bailiff' usually refers to the officer keeping order in a courtroom, not debt collection. The plural is 'bailiffs.' Not used for police officers.

Example Sentences

The bailiffs asked everyone to stand when the judge entered.

basic

There were two bailiffs in the courtroom.

basic

The bailiffs delivered important papers to my house.

basic

The bailiffs had to escort a disruptive person out of the court.

natural

If you don’t pay your debts, bailiffs might come to collect what you owe.

natural

The bailiffs knocked early in the morning with a court order.

natural