What does parliament mean?
A parliament is a law-making body, especially the national legislature of a country. The term can refer to the institution, the assembly of its members, or, particularly in British English, the buildings where the legislature meets. In the United Kingdom, “Parliament” usually denotes the national institution made up of the monarch-in-parliament, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords; other countries use the word for comparable legislative bodies. “Member of parliament” is a common political designation, while “parliamentary” describes matters connected with parliament, such as elections, committees, or procedures. The word is generally formal in register and carries strong political and institutional associations, including debate, representation, lawmaking, and public accountability. Although most legislatures in contemporary democracies are broadly similar in function, their names, membership, and powers vary considerably.
nounA parliament is a legislative body, especially the national legislature of a country or the members who make up that body. In British usage, Parliament may also refer to the institution or the buildings where it meets.
- A body that makes laws, especially a national legislature.
- The members who constitute a legislative body.
- In British usage, the institution of Parliament or the buildings where it meets.
"The government must secure the support of parliament for its proposed legislation."
"Members of parliament debated the bill throughout the afternoon."
"The architecture of Parliament reflects centuries of political history."
The standard plural refers to separate legislatures or assemblies.
"Several parliaments debated the proposal during the regional conference."
Parliament takes its name from speaking: its roots point to the public business of talking things over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parliament come from?
Parliament comes through Middle English from Old French parler, meaning “to speak,” and parlerlement, meaning “speaking” or “a place for speaking.” The word originally referred to a discussion or assembly for speaking and debating, before developing its modern legislative sense. Related English words such as parley and parlance come from the same French and Latin verbal root associated with speaking.
Related word forms
How parliament is actually used
The word is formal and commonly refers to a national legislature in political and institutional contexts. In British English, “Parliament” is usually capitalized when referring specifically to the UK Parliament; lowercase “parliament” can refer to a legislature in general or to the building in British usage.