- 1 [singular] one of the two groups of elected politicians who make laws in some countries, for example in the US, Australia, Canada and France. The Senate is smaller than the other group but higher in rank. Many state parliaments in the US also have a Senate. a member of the Senate a Senate committee compare congress, House of Representatives Wordfindercongresscaucus, congress, the Electoral College, House of Representatives, nomination, president, primary, running mate, senate, swing state CollocationsPoliticsPower create/form/be the leader of a political party gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle lead/form a rival/breakaway faction seize/take control of the government/power bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government be forced/removed/driven from office/power resign/step down as party leader/an MP/president/prime minister enter/retire from/return to political lifePolitical debate spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over something) get involved in/feel excluded from the political process launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government lobby/put pressure on the government (to do something) come under fire/pressure from opposition partiesPolicy call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s) formulate/implement domestic economic policy change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy reform/restructure/modernize the tax system privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services invest (heavily) in/spend something on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure nationalize the banks/the oil industry promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts a/the budget is approved/ (especially North American English) passed by parliament/congressMaking laws have a majority in/have seats in Parliament/Congress/the Senate propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/legislation/measures amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution get/require/be decided by a majority vote
- 2[countable, usually singular, uncountable] (in some countries) the group of people who control a university the senate of Loughborough University
- 3[singular] (in ancient Rome) the most important council of the government; the building where the council met Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French senat, from Latin senatus, from senex ‘old man’.Extra examples She is attempting to win a seat in the Irish Senate. The bill was passed by the Senate last month. The proposal requires the approval of the university senate.
Check pronunciation: senate
