1. people who are accused of crimes in criminal court cases or who are being sued in civil court cases
Usage: legal term; plural of defendant

Examples

• The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
• Both defendants were represented by experienced lawyers.
• The judge instructed the defendants to rise for sentencing.
• In the civil lawsuit, the defendants denied any wrongdoing.
• The defendants’ attorneys requested more time to prepare their case.
• All three defendants were found guilty by the jury.
• The defendants sat quietly during the prosecutor’s opening statement.