subpena

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•poe•na or sub•pe•na /səˈpinə/   n., pl. -nas, v., -naed, -na•ing. [Law.]
n. [countable]

1. Law an order from a judge summoning witnesses or evidence to appear before the court.

v. [~ + object]

2. Law to serve with a subpoena:
   to subpoena as many witnesses as necessary.

See -pen-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sub•poe•na  (sə pē′nə, səb-), n., v., -naed, -na•ing. [Law.]
n. 

1. the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body.

v.t. 

2. to serve with a subpoena.

Also, sub•pe′na. 

• Latin sub poenā under penalty (the first words of the writ)
• late Middle English 1375–1425