Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A specific geographic location in Washington, D.C.: Capitol Hill is the name of the historic neighborhood and the actual hill upon which the United States Capitol building is situated.
   • A metonym for the U.S. Congress: The term is commonly used to refer collectively to the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, which meets in the Capitol building.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Geographic location):

  • The library is located on Capitol Hill, a few blocks from the Supreme Court.
  • Many staffers live in apartments on Capitol Hill.

• Proper noun (Metonym for Congress):

  • The new policy faces strong opposition on Capitol Hill.
  • Lobbyists work to influence lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Advanced Usage

• "On Capitol Hill": This is the standard prepositional phrase used to indicate location, either physical or institutional.
  • The hearing on Capitol Hill lasted for hours.
• "From Capitol Hill": Often used to indicate the origin of legislative action or news.
  • Reports from Capitol Hill suggest a vote will happen tomorrow.

Variants and Related Words

• The Capitol (n): The specific building where the U.S. Congress meets. Note: "Capitol" refers to the building; "Capitol Hill" refers to the area and, by extension, the institution.
  • The dome of the Capitol is an iconic symbol.
• The Hill (n, informal): A common shorthand for "Capitol Hill."
  • What's the latest news from the Hill?

Synonyms

• The legislative branch: The formal term for the part of government (Congress) that makes laws.
• Congress: The specific institution, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Related Phrases

• Capitol Hill staffer: An employee who works for a member of Congress or a congressional committee.
  • She worked as a Capitol Hill staffer for five years.
• Capitol Hill reporter: A journalist who covers news related to the U.S. Congress.
  • He is a veteran Capitol Hill reporter for a major newspaper.

Related Idioms

• The wheels of Capitol Hill grind slowly: An idiom meaning the legislative process in Congress is often very slow and deliberate.
  • Don't expect quick changes; the wheels of Capitol Hill grind slowly.

Noun

1. a hill in Washington, D.C., where the Capitol Building sits and Congress meets
   • they are debating the budget today on Capitol Hill