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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

senator

SEHN-uh-tuh

Senator (noun) means a member of a senate, usually an elected legislator. Example: “The senator gave a lengthy speech on tax reform.”

noun
1
A member of a senate, usually an elected legislator.
"The senator gave a lengthy speech on tax reform."

How to Use Senator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who serves as a member of a senate.

Common pairings
elected senator state senator US senator

Word Forms

senators plural, Senators plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ gave a lengthy speech on tax reform.

Etymology

From Latin senātor, from senex, "old" — an "elder" in the original Roman sense.

Origin: Latin

legislator lawmaker elected representative statesman politician member of the senate

Related Words

Rhymes for senator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “senator” mean?

The word “senator” means a member of a senate, usually an elected legislator. In plain terms, a person who serves as a member of a senate.

How do you pronounce “senator”?

“Senator” is pronounced SEHN-uh-tuh (/ˈsɛn.ə.tɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “senator” in a sentence?

Here is “senator” used in a sentence: “The senator gave a lengthy speech on tax reform.”

What part of speech is “senator”?

“Senator” is a noun.

Where does the word “senator” come from?

The word “senator” comes from Latin. From Latin senātor, from senex, "old" — an "elder" in the original Roman sense.

Is “senator” a common word?

“Senator” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between a senator and a representative?

In many two-chamber legislatures, senators sit in the upper house and representatives in the lower. Senators often serve larger areas, such as a whole state or region, with longer terms, while representatives serve smaller districts for shorter terms. Both make laws, but the senate is usually the smaller, more senior chamber.

What does a senator do?

A senator is an elected lawmaker who debates, drafts, and votes on legislation in a senate. They represent the people of their state, region, or district, scrutinize government actions, sit on committees, and often confirm senior appointments. In short, a senator helps shape national laws and holds the government to account.

How does someone become a senator?

In most countries a senator is elected by voters, though some senates include appointed or hereditary members. Candidates usually must meet minimum requirements for age, citizenship, and residency, then win a public vote. Terms and exact rules vary widely from one nation to another, but election is the most common route.

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