Added 2 October 2026
court
/ˈkɔːt/ noun
In Latin: aula Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about court at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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An enclosed space; a courtyard; an uncovered area shut in by the walls of a building, or by different buildings; also, a space opening from a street and nearly surrounded by houses; a blind alley.
The girls were playing in the court.
- A street with no outlet, a cul-de-sac.
- A housing estate under the Home Ownership Scheme.
verb
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To seek to achieve or win (a prize).
He was courting big new accounts that previous salesmen had not attempted.
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To risk (a consequence, usually negative).
She courted controversy with her frank speeches.
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To attempt to attract, in any way; to invite by attractions.
The bird was courting a potential mate by performing an elaborate dance.
Origin
From Middle English court, from Old French cort, curt, from Late Latin cōrs, contracted from Latin cohors. Doublet of cohort. Professional tennis players playing on a tennis court (noun sense 5) in New Delhi, India
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)