What does senate mean?
A senate is a deliberative body whose members are called senators. In modern political systems, the term usually identifies the upper chamber of a legislature, as in the United States Senate or the Senate of countries such as Canada, India, and Australia. The original meaning comes from ancient Rome, where the senate was a council of elders advising magistrates and exercising considerable political authority. Today, a senate may also refer more generally to the governing body of a university, corporation, society, or other institution. Its powers vary considerably: some upper chambers have substantial legislative authority, while others primarily review, amend, or veto legislation proposed by another chamber. Capitalization distinguishes a named institution, especially “the Senate” in the United States, from a senate as a generic body. Although the word once implied wisdom derived from age, modern senates derive their authority from election, appointment, or institutional rules rather than the age of their members.
A legislative or governing assembly whose members are called senators, especially an upper chamber of a legislature.
"The senate debated the proposal for several days."
“Senate” is capitalized for the United States Senate and for other officially named legislative bodies.
The ancient Roman council of elders that advised magistrates and exercised political authority.
"The conflict between the Roman senate and the tribunes intensified."
Usually capitalized as “Senate” when referring to the institution of ancient Rome.
A body entrusted with the governance or administration of an organization or institution.
"The university senate approved changes to the academic calendar."
Normally used when referring to multiple senates as institutions; established national bodies such as the United States Senate are normally treated as singular.
"The two senates adopted different versions of the proposal."
Rome's senate was named for the Latin senex, meaning “old man,” because its original members were regarded as the city's elders.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of senate
The English word comes through Old French senat from Latin senatus, meaning “council of elders” or “assembly of old men.” The Latin term was associated with senex, “old man,” and originally referred to the council of elderly Romans who advised the city's magistrates. Its political descendants include senator and senatorial, while cognates such as senior and senescent preserve the same ancient root and its association with old age.
Related word forms
How senate is actually used
The word is capitalized when referring to the United States Senate or the Senate of ancient Rome. In British usage, the national upper chamber is called the House of Lords rather than the Senate, although “Senate” is standard in the names and institutions of many other countries.
Easily confused with senate
A senate is the assembled body, while a senator is one of its members.