Definition

1. Noun:
   • A legislative assembly in certain countries: A formal body of elected or appointed representatives that makes laws and debates national issues for a nation, especially in countries with a system of government based on the Westminster model.
   • (Parliament) The specific legislature of the United Kingdom or similar Commonwealth realms: The supreme legislative body, consisting of the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.

Usage

• As a common noun: Used to refer to the national legislature in various countries (e.g., the Australian Parliament, the Italian Parliament).
• As a proper noun (capitalized): Specifically refers to the UK institution (e.g., an Act of Parliament).
• Typically used with definite or indefinite articles ('the parliament', 'a parliament'). It can be the subject or object of a sentence.

Examples

• General Legislative Body:
  • The new law was debated in parliament for weeks before being passed.
  • Several countries have a bicameral parliament, with an upper and a lower house.
• Referring to the UK Institution:
  • The Prime Minister addressed Parliament yesterday.
  • A member of Parliament (MP) represents a local constituency.

Advanced Usage

• To dissolve Parliament: To officially end a session of parliament, usually before a general election.
  • The Prime Minister asked the King to dissolve Parliament.
• To be in session: When parliament is actively meeting to conduct business.
  • Parliament is in session from autumn to spring.
• Parliamentary (adj): Relating to or enacted by a parliament.
  • The issue required a parliamentary vote.

Variants and Related Words

• Parliamentarian (n): An expert in parliamentary procedures or a member of a parliament.
  • The parliamentarian advised on the rules of debate.
• Parliamentary (adj): As above.
• Extra-parliamentary (adj): Outside of or not involving parliament.
  • The group pursued extra-parliamentary action.

Synonyms

• Legislature: The legislative body of a country or state.
• Congress: The national legislative body, especially in the United States or other presidential systems.
• Assembly: A group of people gathered for a specific purpose, often legislative (e.g., National Assembly).

Related Phrases

• Act of Parliament: A law that has been formally passed by parliament and received royal assent.
  • The Clean Air Act is an Act of Parliament.
• Houses of Parliament: The buildings where the UK Parliament meets, or the two chambers (Lords and Commons) collectively.
  • Tourists often visit the Houses of Parliament in London.

Idioms

• A parliament of owls: A collective noun for a group of owls (this is a poetic/descriptive term, not a political idiom).
  • We saw a parliament of owls in the old barn.

Noun

1. a card game in which you play your sevens and other cards in sequence in the same suit as the sevens; you win if you are the first to use all your cards
2. a legislative assembly in certain countries