# congress

/ˈkɑŋɡɹəs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/congress
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. legislative body

noun · CEFR B2

the group of people elected to make the laws of a country, especially in the United States.

For teachers: the national legislative body of a nation, specifically the bicameral legislature of the United States consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

- The new law must be approved by Congress before the President can sign it.
- The bill faced significant opposition in Congress, where members of both parties debated its long-term economic implications for several weeks.

Usage: Often capitalized when referring to a specific national body.

### 2. formal meeting

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a large formal meeting or series of meetings where people from a particular profession or group discuss their work.

For teachers: a formal assembly or conference of delegates or representatives for the discussion or settlement of some matter.

- Medical experts from around the world attended the international congress on heart disease.
- The annual congress of the trade union provided a platform for delegates to vote on the proposed changes to the labour contract.

### 3. an association

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an organization made up of several different groups that have similar interests.

For teachers: a society or association formed by a federation of various smaller organisations or interest groups.

- The Trades Union Congress represents millions of workers across the country.
- The national congress of parents and teachers works to improve the quality of public education through coordinated advocacy.

### 5. group of baboons

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the special name for a group of baboons.

For teachers: the collective noun specifically used for a troop or group of baboons.

- We watched a congress of baboons moving across the grassy plain.
- The wildlife documentary highlighted the complex social hierarchy maintained within a congress of baboons during the dry season.

### 6. to assemble

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

to come together in a large group for a formal meeting.

For teachers: to meet or assemble in a formal capacity or as part of a congress.

- The delegates will congress in the main hall at noon.
- The various tribal leaders agreed to congress annually to resolve territorial disputes and maintain the peace treaty.

## Examples

- Congress is voting on the new tax law today.
- The president needs the support of Congress to pass the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
- While the executive branch enforces the law, Congress holds the power of the purse and the authority to declare war, maintaining a critical check on presidential power.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.