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REFERENCE

senator

n.
US //ˈsɛnətɝ// UK //sˈɛnətɐ// sen·a·tor
  1. 1 modern politician (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    a member of a senate, which is a group of people who make laws for a country or state.

    a member of a legislative body known as a senate, often representing the upper house in systems like those of the United States, Australia, or France.

    Example

    The senator promised to vote for the new law to protect the local environment.

    Example

    The junior senator from Vermont introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the national healthcare infrastructure during the spring session.

    Usage

    Often used as a title before a surname, such as Senator Smith.
  2. 2 Ancient Rome (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a member of the powerful governing council in Ancient Rome.

    a member of the supreme council of state in the ancient Roman Republic and Empire.

    Example

    The Roman senator wore a special toga to show his high rank in society.

    Example

    Historians argue that the influence of the individual senator waned significantly as the Roman Republic transitioned into a centralized empire.
  3. 3 city official (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal

    a high-ranking official in the government of certain cities, especially in Germany.

    a member of the executive or legislative branch in certain city-states or Hanseatic cities, such as Hamburg or Berlin.

    Example

    The senator for education in Berlin announced a new plan for city schools.

    Example

    In the city-state of Hamburg, the senator oversees a specific administrative department, functioning similarly to a state minister.
Origin

From Latin senātor, ultimately from senex (“old”), equivalent to senate + -or.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026