# Parliament

/ˈpɑɹɫəmənt/ (US) · /pˈɑːləmənt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. legislative body

noun · CEFR B2

the group of elected people who make and change the laws of a country.

For teachers: the supreme legislative body of a country, consisting of representatives who debate policy and enact legislation.

- The new law was debated in parliament for several weeks before it was passed.
- The prime minister addressed parliament to outline the government's proposed changes to the national healthcare system.

Usage: Often capitalized (Parliament) when referring to a specific national body, such as the UK Parliament.

### 2. a specific session or term

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the period of time between two elections when the law-makers are working.

For teachers: a particular assembly of members convened for a specific period, or the duration between two general elections.

- The current parliament is expected to finish its work by next spring.
- During the last parliament, several significant constitutional reforms were introduced despite heavy opposition from the minority parties.

### 3. a group of birds

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a special name for a group of owls or rooks.

For teachers: a collective noun used specifically for a group of owls or rooks.

- In the old story, a parliament of owls gathered in the forest to make a decision.
- The poet described a parliament of rooks perched high in the elm trees, their cawing filling the cold morning air.

## Examples

- The government needs the support of Parliament to pass the new law.
- Members of Parliament gathered today to debate the proposed changes to the national healthcare system.
- The constitutional crisis deepened when the executive branch attempted to bypass Parliament, leading to a series of legal challenges regarding the separation of powers.

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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.