noun
plaintiff
PLAYN-tif/ˈpleɪntɪf/
A person or party that brings a civil lawsuit.
The plaintiff presents her documents to the judge.
Etymology
Old French plaintif described someone as complaining or aggrieved. In law, that description became the name for the party presenting a grievance by bringing a suit.
In context
The court then looks at what the plaintiff, the person who filed the lawsuit, has presented.
More examples
- The plaintiff filed a claim for unpaid wages.
- Several plaintiffs joined the lawsuit.
- The court heard testimony from the plaintiff.
Forms
plaintiff · plaintiffs
Similar words
- claimant
- Broader; can seek a benefit or payment without filing a lawsuit.
- defendant
- The party responding to a lawsuit rather than bringing it.