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Definition of senate

senate

/ˈsɛn.ət/
sen · ate
Adverb:senatorially
•
Plural:senates
•
Adjective:senatorial
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senate Lexical Profile

senate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The smaller, upper assembly in a bicameral legislature, such as in the United States, Canada, Australia, or France, or the supreme governing council of ancient Rome.

Example

"The bill passed the lower house easily, but it faces a tough debate in the senate next week."

2

The governing board or highest academic council of a university or college.

Example

"The university senate voted to approve the new interdisciplinary degree program for the upcoming academic year."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for senate

• Nearby Words

semiyearly
semolina
sempervivum
senate
senator
senatorial
senatorship

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'senat', from Latin 'senātus' ('council of elders'), derived from 'senex' ('old man'). In ancient Rome, the senate originally functioned as an advisory council composed of the heads of patrician families.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Senate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/senate
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