parliament

par-lia-ment · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The highest legislative body in a country or state, typically consisting of elected representatives who make laws.

  2. 2.

    A particular period during which a parliament holds sessions between elections.

Forms

plural: parliaments

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    act of parliament — a law passed by the legislature
  • •
    dissolve parliament — to formally end a parliamentary session, usually before an election
  • •
    houses of parliament — the buildings where parliament meets
  • •
    member of parliament (MP) — an elected representative in a parliamentary system

Related words

See also: congress, democracy, government, legislature
Synonyms: assembly, chamber, congress, legislature

Etymology

From Old French parlement ("discussion, conversation"), from parler ("to speak"). The word entered English in the 13th century, originally referring to any formal conference or discussion before taking on its specific governmental meaning.