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parliamentary

adj.
US //ˌpɑɹɫəˈmɛnɝi// UK //pˌɑːləmˈɛntəɹi// par·lia·men·tary
  1. 1 related to a parliament (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    relating to a parliament or the people who work in one.

    relating to, enacted by, or characteristic of a parliament. This is a non-gradable adjective.

    Example

    The prime minister faced many difficult parliamentary questions today.

    Example

    The committee's findings were published in a parliamentary report that detailed several major failures in the current housing policy.
  2. 2 system of government (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Law

    describing a government where the leaders are chosen from and answer to a parliament.

    relating to a system of government where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature.

    Example

    Many European countries have a parliamentary system rather than a presidential one.

    Example

    In a parliamentary democracy, the head of government is typically a member of the legislature and must maintain its support to remain in power.
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  1. 3 polite and formal (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    using the polite and formal language required during a government meeting.

    conforming to the rules and customs of a parliament, particularly regarding formal and civil language during debate.

    Example

    The speaker asked the politician to use more parliamentary language during the debate.

    Example

    The member was reprimanded for using language that was deemed not parliamentary, leading to a brief suspension from the chamber.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'parliamentary language'.
    • unparliamentary
Origin

From parliament + -ary.

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