noun
Common
senate
SEH-niht
Senate (noun) means the upper chamber in certain two-house legislatures. Example: “The bill passed the senate by a narrow margin.”
noun
1
The upper chamber in certain two-house legislatures.
"The bill passed the senate by a narrow margin."
"The senate debated the proposal for several hours before breaking for lunch."
"She dreamed of one day being elected to the senate."
2
A governing council of respected or senior figures, as in a university.
"The university senate voted to change the admissions policy."
"Professors on the senate approved the new degree programme this week."
"The student representative addressed the senate about library opening hours."
How to use senate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal governing or advisory body, most commonly the upper house of a parliament.
Common pairings
pass the senate
senate committee
run for senate
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Word forms
- Plural
- senates
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The bill passed the _____ by a narrow margin.
Etymology
From Latin senātus, "council of elders," from senex, "old" — the same root as "senior" and "senile."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for senate
See all rhymes for senate →Frequently asked questions
What does “senate” mean?
The word “senate” means the upper chamber in certain two-house legislatures. In plain terms, a formal governing or advisory body, most commonly the upper house of a parliament.
How do you pronounce “senate”?
“Senate” is pronounced SEH-niht (/ˈsɛnət/ in IPA).
How do you use “senate” in a sentence?
Here is “senate” used in a sentence: “The bill passed the senate by a narrow margin.”
What part of speech is “senate”?
“Senate” is a noun.
Where does the word “senate” come from?
The word “senate” comes from Latin. From Latin senātus, "council of elders," from senex, "old" — the same root as "senior" and "senile.".
Is “senate” a common word?
“Senate” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “senate” have?
“Senate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the upper chamber in certain two-house legislatures.
What is the difference between a senate and a house of representatives?
In a two-house legislature, the senate is usually the upper chamber and the house of representatives the lower. The senate often has fewer members, longer terms, and represents regions or states equally, while the lower house is typically larger and based on population. Both must generally agree to pass laws.
What is the difference between a senate and a parliament?
A parliament is an entire legislative body, which may contain one or two chambers. A senate is specifically the upper chamber within such a system. So a senate can be part of a parliament or congress, but the wider institution is the parliament, not the senate alone.
What is the purpose of a senate?
A senate acts as a chamber of review, scrutinising and refining legislation passed by the lower house. It often provides equal representation for states or regions, guards against hasty lawmaking, and adds a layer of deliberation. Its longer terms are meant to encourage stability and considered judgement.
Where does the word senate come from?
It derives from the Latin senatus, meaning council of elders, rooted in senex, or old man. The Roman Senate was among the earliest such bodies, and its name reflects the idea that experienced, senior figures should guide governance. Many modern legislatures borrowed the term to signal that tradition.
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