Parliament — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈpär-lə-mənt/ par·lia·ment

Meaning & Definition of Parliament

Parliament (noun)

  1. a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs; specifically, a council of state in early medieval England
  2. an assemblage of the nobility, clergy, and commons called together by the British sovereign as the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom
  3. a similar assemblage in another nation or state

Parliament (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the highest lawmaking body of a political unit

    "the treaty was referred to the nation's parliament for ratification"

    similar: congress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Parliament

The most common words with a similar meaning to Parliament:

Origin & Etymology of Parliament

Middle English parlement, parliament "discourse, conversation, conference, assembly, assembly of the lay and ecclesiastical aristocracy, the Parliament of England or Ireland," borrowed from Anglo-French, from parler "to speak" + -ment -ment parley:2

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Parliament

Words & Phrases Containing Parliament

Frequently Asked Questions about Parliament

What does "Parliament" mean?

"Parliament" means a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs; specifically, a council of state in early medieval England. As a noun, it is defined as: a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs; specifically, a council of state in early medieval England.

What is another word for "Parliament"?

Other words for "Parliament" include congress. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Parliament" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Parliament"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Parliament". Common alternatives include congress.

How do you use "Parliament" in a sentence?

Examples of "Parliament" in a sentence: "the treaty was referred to the nation's parliament for ratification".

Is "Parliament" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Parliament" is a noun.

Is "Parliament" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Parliament" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Parliament"?

"Parliament" is pronounced /ˈpär-lə-mənt/ and divided into syllables as par·lia·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Parliament"?

"Parliament" comes from Middle English parlement, parliament "discourse, conversation, conference, assembly, assembly of the lay and ecclesiastical aristocracy, the Parliament of England or Ireland," borrowed from Anglo-French, from parler "to speak" + -ment -ment parley:2. First known use: 13th century.