executive session

noun

: a usually closed session (as of a legislative body) that functions as an executive council (as of the U.S. Senate when considering appointments or the ratification of treaties)

Examples of executive session in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After Tuesday night's city council meeting, where residents voiced their concerns, city leaders entered an executive session to discuss Halburnt's employment. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Following the hearing, the board will deliberate in executive session and send a recommendation to the governor within six business days. ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 After the censure on Monday, Hulsey again tried to exclude the city administrator from council business when the governing body went into executive session. Rachel Royster july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 Rodrigues is also chair of the Brockton School Committee, which met in executive session on Wednesday to discuss the allegations. Adam England, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for executive session

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive session was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Executive session.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20session. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Legal Definition

executive session

noun
: a closed session (as of the U.S. Senate) in which executive business (as consideration of appointments or ratification of treaties) is taken care of compare legislative session
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