Definition of parliament
1 : a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs; specifically : a council of state in early medieval England
2a : an assemblage of the nobility, clergy, and commons called together by the British sovereign as the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdomb : a similar assemblage in another nation or state
3a : the supreme legislative body of a usually major political unit that is a continuing institution comprising a series of individual assemblagesb : the British House of Commons
4 : one of several principal courts of justice existing in France before the Revolution of 1789
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of parliament in a Sentence
The parliament has authority over the armed forces.
The issue was debated in Parliament.
The law was passed in the present parliament.
Origin and Etymology of parliament
Middle English, from Anglo-French parlement, from parler
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Government and Politics Terms
PARLIAMENT Defined for English Language Learners
parliament
playDefinition of parliament for English Language Learners
-
: the group of people who are responsible for making the laws in some kinds of government
-
Parliament : a particular parliament; especially : the parliament of the United Kingdom that includes the House of Commons and the House of Lords
-
: the period of time during which a parliament is working
PARLIAMENT Defined for Kids
parliament
playDefinition of parliament for Students
: an assembly that is the highest legislative body of a country (as the United Kingdom)
Law Dictionary
parliament
playLegal Definition of parliament
1a : an assemblage of the nobility, clergy, and commons called together by the British sovereign as the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom b : a similar assemblage in another nation or state
2 : the supreme legislative body of a usually major political unit that is a continuing institution comprising a series of individual assemblages
Origin and Etymology of parliament
Anglo-French parlement conference, council, parliament, from parler to speak
Learn More about parliament
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for parliament Spanish Central: Translation of parliament Nglish: Translation of parliament for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of parliament for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parliament
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up parliament? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!