Search Dictionary
Definition of jurisdiction

jurisdiction

/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/
ju · ris · dic · tion
Adverb:jurisdictionally
•
Plural:jurisdictions
•
Adjective:jurisdictional
JUMP TO:

jurisdiction Lexical Profile

jurisdiction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The official power or legal authority to make legal decisions and judgments, or to govern and enforce laws.

Example

"The appellate court ruled that the lower tribunal lacked jurisdiction over the dispute."

2

A geographical territory, district, or sphere of activity within which a particular court or governmental authority exercises its legal power.

Example

"Tax regulations for small businesses vary significantly across different state and municipal jurisdictions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jurisdiction
Antonyms
View all antonyms for jurisdiction

• Rhymes for jurisdiction

• Nearby Words

jura
jurassic
juri river
jurisdiction
jurist
jurong
jurong falls

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 13th century from Old French jurediction and directly from Latin iurisdictio ('administration of justice'), a compound of iuris ('of law', genitive of ius) and dictio ('a saying or pronouncing', from dicere 'to say').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jurisdiction. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jurisdiction
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.