jury

A group of ordinary people who listen to evidence in court and decide a case.

• The jury found him guilty.
• She was chosen to serve on a jury.
• Has the jury reached a verdict yet?

How to use it: on a jury (She served on a jury last month.)

Common phrases: jury verdict, jury member, serve on a jury

A group of people who judge a competition and choose its winners.

• The jury chose three winners.
• A film director chaired the festival jury.
• The jury praised her original design.

Similar words: judging panel, panel of judges

Common phrases: festival jury, jury prize, competition jury

Made for temporary use, often to replace something broken on a ship.

• The sailors built a jury mast.
• A jury rudder helped them reach the harbour.
• They replaced the jury rig after returning to port.

Similar words: temporary, makeshift

Opposites: permanent

Common phrases: jury mast, jury rig, jury rudder