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Meaning & use

session

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈseʃn/
US/ˈseʃn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A set period of time given to one activity, such as a class, meeting, workout or practice.

    Grammar: Often with a noun or of: a training session, a session of yoga.

    Patterns

    • a session on something
    • a session with someone

    We booked a two-hour study session in the library.

    The band held a recording session on Friday.

    I have a physical therapy session at noon.

  2. nouncountable or uncountableformal

    A formal meeting of a court, council or legislature, or the period when it meets.

    Grammar: Often used with in: the court is in session.

    Patterns

    • in session
    • a session of something

    Parliament is not in session during August.

    The committee held a closed session on the budget.

    A special session was called to vote on the bill.

  3. nouncountablecomputing

    In computing, the period during which a user stays connected or logged in to a system.

    Grammar: A session can time out if left idle.

    Patterns

    • a session on something

    Your session expired, so please log in again.

    The website keeps the session active for thirty minutes.

Word forms

pluralsessions

Common combinations

training session
The training session starts at nine.
in session
The court is in session.
jam session
They had an informal jam session after dinner.
therapy session
Her weekly therapy session helped a lot.
question-and-answer session
A question-and-answer session followed the talk.
emergency session
The council met in emergency session.

Synonyms and how they differ

meeting
A meeting is a gathering to discuss something, while session emphasizes the block of time or activity.
class
A class is a teaching event, whereas a session can be any activity, including practice or treatment.
sitting
Sitting is a single occasion, such as an exam or portrait, and is less common.
period
Period is any span of time, while session is about a defined activity.

Opposites

recessadjournment

Word family

sessional adjective
relating to a session, as in sessional lecturer
intersession noun
a break between sessions
postsession adjective
occurring after a session

Commonly confused: session or cession?

session vs cession

Cession means giving up land or rights, and sounds the same as session but is unrelated.

Practice

The court is currently ___ and cannot be disturbed.

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