WordGarden.iosenate
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛnət/
US
- /ˈsɛnət/
Meanings
Noun
a legislative chamber, especially the upper house in some governments
a governing body within a university or similar institution
Beyond the definition
Imagine a country making laws for everyone to follow. In some countries, the lawmaking system has two parts, and one of them is the senate. It is usually the upper chamber, where elected officials meet to discuss bills, suggest changes, and vote. In places like the United States, members of the senate represent whole states rather than smaller districts. You might hear about the senate when people talk about new laws, national budgets, treaties, or the approval of important government officials.
The word "senate" refers to a formal group of lawmakers, usually the upper house in a two-part legislature. That means it works alongside another lawmaking body, such as a house of representatives or a lower chamber. The term comes from the ancient Roman Republic, where the Senatus was an important governing council. From the beginning, the idea was tied to advice, debate, and steady government.
Today, many countries use a senate, but its powers are not always the same. In some places, it has strong authority over laws, appointments, and treaties. In others, it mainly reviews decisions made by the lower house. In the United States, for example, the Senate is a powerful part of Congress. Each state elects two senators no matter how large or small the state's population is, which makes it different from the House of Representatives.
A senate often helps shape, revise, and approve laws. Depending on the country, it may also confirm major appointments, approve treaties, or investigate public issues. For a bill to become law in a two-house system, both chambers often need to agree. In American politics, people also talk about senate rules and procedures, including the filibuster, which can delay or block a vote.
You may also see the word used outside national government. Some universities and large organizations have a senate that helps govern rules and policy. Still, in everyday English, "the senate" usually means a country's upper lawmaking chamber, where major public decisions are discussed and voted on.
Examples
- 1
Senate vote
The bill passed the Senate by two votes.
- 2
Elected office
She hopes to win a seat in the Senate next year.
- Phrasea seat in the Senate
a position as an elected member of it
- 3
Judicial appointment
The president needs Senate approval before naming a new judge.
- PhraseSenate approval
official agreement from the Senate
- 4
State politics
After serving in the state senate, he ran for governor.
- Phrasestate senate
the senate of a U.S. state
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- senatenoun
Forms
- senatespluralnoun