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senate

noun
SEN-uht/ˈsɛnət/UKSEN-it/ˈsɛnɪt/

Pluralsenates

3 meanings of senate

Practice

  1. 1
    upper housenouncountable
    One of the two lawmaking groups in some countries, called the upper house and often smaller than the other.

    The senate voted to pass the new law yesterday.

    Each state sends two people to the United States Senate.

    UsageWrite the Senate with a big S for one country's senate. Its members are senators.

    Similarassembly

  2. 2
    governing councilnouncountable
    A group of respected, experienced people who help make decisions for a government, a university, or another organization.

    Like a group of wise older people that a village asks before making big decisions.

    The university senate meets every month to discuss new rules.

    In ancient Rome, the senate gave advice to the city's leaders.

    UsageOften: the university senate, the faculty senate.

    Similarcouncil

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    In Germany, the government of certain cities, such as Berlin and Hamburg, or a group of judges in a high court.

    The senate of Berlin announced new plans for city housing.

    In Hamburg, the city senate works as the local government.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin senatus, meaning a council of elders, from senex meaning old. It reached English through Old French senat.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts