previous question

noun

: a parliamentary motion to put the pending question to an immediate vote without further debate or amendment that if defeated has the effect of permitting resumption of debate

Examples of previous question in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The previous question was from a reader who was trying to determine how much to tell people about her husband’s health. —

Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 12 June 2024 The previous question was from a reader who was concerned about a new swimmer at her pool. —

Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 7 June 2024 Readers Respond The previous question was from a reader who asked about professional boundaries. —

Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 24 May 2024 Readers Respond The previous question was from a reader who had questions about how her city’s museum should respond to the controversial writings of an artist whose work is exhibited there. —

Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for previous question

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'previous question.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of previous question was circa 1715

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Previous question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/previous%20question. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

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