Meaning & use
senate
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
The smaller, higher-ranking group of lawmakers in a country or state that reviews and approves laws.
Grammar: Use 'the Senate' when talking about a specific one; 'a senate' for one of several.
Patterns
- the Senate
- a senate
- the state senate
The Senate voted to pass the new budget after a long debate.
She was elected to the state senate last year.
The Senate meets in the Capitol building.
nouncountable
The governing council of some universities or other organizations.
Grammar: Often used in names: 'the University Senate'.
Patterns
- the university senate
- the faculty senate
The university senate approved changes to the graduation requirements.
The faculty senate will meet next week to discuss the proposal.
Word forms
| plural | senates |
|---|
Common combinations
- Senate majority leader
- The Senate majority leader controls the schedule of debates.
- Senate seat
- She is running for an open Senate seat in Ohio.
- Senate committee
- The Senate committee held hearings on the bill.
- Senate confirmation
- The nominee awaits Senate confirmation.
Synonyms and how they differ
- upper house
- A general term for the higher chamber of a legislature; 'senate' is the specific name used in many countries.
- council
- A group that advises or governs, but not necessarily a legislative body; 'senate' is more formal and law-making.
Word family
- senator noun
- A member of a senate.
- senatorial adjective
- Relating to a senator or senate.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'senate' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Senate' is a legislative body, so it can pass bills. It is not a company board, not a person, and not a court.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “senate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.