Definition

1. Noun:
   • A committee to arrange the order of business for some larger (legislative) body: A "steering committee" is a group of people appointed to manage the agenda, set priorities, and guide the direction of a larger organization, project, or legislative assembly.

Usage

• A steering committee is typically formed to provide strategic oversight and coordination. It does not usually handle day-to-day operations but focuses on high-level planning and decision-making to ensure the larger body's objectives are met efficiently.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving large organizations, government bodies, academic projects, and corporate initiatives.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The project's steering committee met to approve the final budget and timeline.
  • A new steering committee was established to oversee the legislative reforms.
  • The conference agenda is set by the steering committee.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve on a steering committee": To be a member of such a committee.
  • She was invited to serve on the steering committee for the international summit.
• "Steering committee report": A document or presentation summarizing the committee's decisions and guidance.
  • The final plan was based on the steering committee report.

Variants and Related Words

• Committee (n): A group of people appointed for a specific function.
  • The executive committee handles urgent decisions.
• Advisory committee (n): A group that provides recommendations but may not have decision-making power, unlike a steering committee which often does.
  • The advisory committee suggested several policy changes.

Synonyms

• Governance committee: A group responsible for oversight and strategic direction.
• Executive committee: A senior committee that often has similar high-level decision-making authority.
• Coordinating committee: A group focused on harmonizing activities, which can be a function of a steering committee.

Related Phrases

• "Steering committee meeting": A scheduled gathering of the committee members.
  • The decision was postponed until the next steering committee meeting.
• "Chair of the steering committee": The person who leads or presides over the committee.
  • As chair of the steering committee, she called the meeting to order.

Notes

• The term "steering committee" emphasizes the function of guiding or "steering" the course of a larger endeavor. It implies active leadership in planning and prioritization rather than passive advisement.

Noun

1. a committee to arrange the order of business for some larger (legislative) body