English · Culture & Society
congress
/ˈkɒŋ.ɡres/
[/ˈkɒŋ.ɡres/]
national legislature
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A formal assembly of representatives that makes laws, especially the national legislature of the United States and some other countries. It can also mean a large formal meeting.
Example
Congress passed the budget bill late at night after weeks of intense negotiation.
Congress passed the budget bill late at night after weeks of intense negotiation.
Etymology
From Latin 'congressus' (a meeting), from 'congredi' (to come together), from 'gradi' (to walk).
How & Where It’s Used
Refers chiefly to the U.S. legislature, but also to scholarly or professional conventions.