# parliamentary

/ˌpɑɹɫəˈmɛnɝi/ (US) · /pˌɑːləmˈɛntəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parliamentary
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. related to a parliament

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The prime minister faced many difficult parliamentary questions today.
- The committee's findings were published in a parliamentary report that detailed several major failures in the current housing policy.

### 2. system of government

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- Many European countries have a parliamentary system rather than a presidential one.
- In a parliamentary democracy, the head of government is typically a member of the legislature and must maintain its support to remain in power.

### 3. polite and formal

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- The prime minister faced many parliamentary questions today.
- The committee is currently reviewing the proposed changes to parliamentary procedure to ensure debates remain fair and efficient.
- The constitutional crisis was eventually resolved through a parliamentary vote, demonstrating the legislature's ultimate authority over the executive branch during times of political instability.

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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.