What does senatorial mean?
Senatorial is an adjective meaning connected with a senator, senators, or a senate. It is commonly used in political and legislative language to describe debates, committees, elections, candidates, offices, and other matters associated with a senate or its members. For example, a senatorial debate may be a debate among senators, while a senatorial committee may be a committee composed of senators. The term is especially common in political systems that include an upper legislative house known as a senate. It is more specific than the general word “senatorial” in institutional contexts because it identifies the relationship to that chamber or to its members. The word comes from the same Latin root as “senate” and “senator,” whose common idea is a deliberative council or member of such a council.
adjectiveRelating to a senator or to the proceedings, powers, or membership of a senate.
- Of or relating to a senator or senators.
- Of or relating to a senate, especially a legislative body composed of senators.
"The committee issued a senatorial report on the proposed legislation."
"The candidates gathered for a senatorial debate organized by the local association."
"The newspaper reported that the senatorial committee would meet again the following week."
The word connects the individual senator with the larger deliberative body: it describes what belongs to the senate or its members.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of senatorial
The adjective comes from Latin senatorialis, meaning “of or relating to a senator,” from the same root as senator and senate. English borrowed it during the early modern period as a political and legal term. It is therefore closely related to “senate,” “senator,” and “senatorship,” all of which derive from Latin forms associated with senatus, meaning a council or assembly of elders.
Related word forms
How senatorial is actually used
Most common in political and legislative contexts, especially in countries where the upper house of parliament is called a senate. It can also refer generally to activities, committees, elections, or offices associated with senators.