Definition of senate
1 : an assembly or council usually possessing high deliberative and legislative functions: such asa : the supreme council of the ancient Roman republic and empireb : the second chamber in the bicameral legislature of a major political unit (such as a nation, state, or province)
2 : the hall or chamber in which a senate meets
3 : a governing body of some universities charged with maintaining academic standards and regulations and usually composed of the principal or representative members of the faculty
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of senate in a sentence
the New York State Senate
The Senate approved the bill.
The Senate voted to repeal the tax cut.
Origin and Etymology of senate
Middle English senat, from Anglo-French, from Latin senatus, from sen-, senex old, old man — more at senior
First Known Use: 13th century
SENATE Defined for English Language Learners
senate
playDefinition of senate for English Language Learners
-
the Senate : the smaller group of the two groups of people who meet to discuss and make the laws of a country, state, etc.; especially : the smaller group of the two groups that form the U.S. Congress
-
: a group of people who govern some colleges and universities
-
the Senate : the group of officials who led the ancient Roman government
SENATE Defined for Kids
senate
playDefinition of senate for Students
1 cap : the upper house of a legislature (as the United States Congress)
2 : a governing body
Law Dictionary
senate
playLegal Definition of senate
: the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature; especially capitalized : the upper house of the U.S. Congress or a state legislature
Learn More about senate
-
See words that rhyme with senate Spanish Central: Translation of senate Nglish: Translation of senate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of senate for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about senate
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up senate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!