What does senator mean?
Senator is a formal political title for a member of a senate, a legislative or advisory body whose members may represent states, regions, or other constituencies. In the United States, the term is most familiar as the title of a member of the national Senate, while many states also have state senates and state senators. The word is used in formal political, legal, and journalistic contexts, where it carries a sense of public office, legislative responsibility, and often political status. In historical writing, senator can also refer to a member of the ancient Roman senate, an influential council that played a major role in Roman government. The term is more precise than general words such as “legislator,” because it identifies membership in a particular type of deliberative body. Although the office and title occur in many English-speaking countries, their powers and methods of selection vary substantially.
nounA member of a senate, especially a member of a national legislature or other deliberative body called a senate. Historically, the term also referred to a member of the ancient Roman senate.
- A member of a senate or similar legislative body, especially one representing a state or region.
- A member of the ancient Roman senate, whose members belonged to an influential council of aristocratic families.
"The senator introduced legislation concerning education reform."
"Several senators questioned the minister about the proposed budget."
"Historians studied the political influence of Roman senators during the Republic."
The standard plural of senator is “senators,” used for multiple members of a senate or for the holders of the office.
"The senators met to debate the controversial bill."
The title traces back to ancient Rome and literally reflects the idea of an elder adviser: Latin senator was built from senex, meaning “old man.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of senator
English borrowed the word from Latin senator, a term for a member of the senate. The Latin word was connected with senex, meaning “old man,” reflecting the traditional association of senate members with age and experience. The related English word senate comes through Latin senātus, from the same root.
Related word forms
How senator is actually used
The word is formal and denotes a specific legislative office rather than any member of parliament. In the United States, “Senator” is normally capitalized when referring to the federal Senate or to a particular state senator.
Easily confused with senator
A senator is a member of a senate, while a senior is an older person or someone holding a higher rank.