plenum

noun

ple·​num ˈple-nəm  ˈplē- 

1

a

: a space or all space every part of which is full of matter

b

: an air-filled space in a structure

especially : one that receives air from a blower for distribution (as in a ventilation system)

2

: a general assembly of all members especially of a legislative body

3

: the quality or state of being full

Examples of plenum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee – its top leadership body – convened its annual plenum this week in Beijing, only 279 of the 376 members installed four years ago attended. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Oct. 2026

The plenum formally confirmed the expulsions of 33 officials from the party, ⁠including ​former Politburo members Ma Xingrui and ​Zhang Youxia, former senior diplomat Liu Jianchao and former industry ​minister Jin Zhuanglong. — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

Thomas said the plenum should prepare the ground for Xi's fourth term and reinforce expectations of political and policy continuity. — Kanis Leung, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

On July 14, the left-wing lawmaker Naama Lazimi took the plenum in Israel’s Knesset and delivered a speech that brought the right-wing presiding officer to tears. — Karl Vick, Time, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin plēnum, noun derivative from neuter of plēnus "full"; (sense 1a) after its use in the Lucullus book of Cicero's Academica to denote a space completely filled with matter (distinguished from ināne or vacuum "empty space"); (sense 2) apparently first from its use in Sweden in the eighteenth century to refer to a meeting of all members of the Riksdag — more at full entry 1

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for plenum

• denim
• venom
• imipenem