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session

n. · v.
US //ˈsɛʃən// UK //sˈɛʃən// ses·sion
  1. 1 a period for an activity (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a period of time used for a specific activity, like a workout or a meeting.

    a period of time devoted to a particular activity, often scheduled or structured.

    Example

    I have a training session with my coach at the gym tomorrow morning.

    Example

    The therapist scheduled a follow-up session to discuss the progress made over the last month of treatment.
  2. 2 official meeting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    a formal meeting of a group of people, like a court or a government.

    an official meeting or series of meetings of a legislative, judicial, or deliberative body.

    Example

    The court is in session, so everyone must remain quiet.

    Example

    Parliament is currently in its summer session, debating several key pieces of environmental legislation before the recess.
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  1. 3 computing connection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    the time you spend connected to a computer system or website.

    the period during which a user is logged into a system or the duration of a specific connection between a client and a server.

    Example

    Your login session has expired, so please enter your password again.

    Example

    The web application uses cookies to maintain the user's session across multiple page requests.
  2. 4 academic term (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Education

    a part of the school year, like a semester.

    an academic term or a specific period during which a university or school holds classes.

    Example

    She decided to take extra classes during the summer session to graduate early.

    Example

    The university offers a condensed winter session for students wishing to complete their elective requirements ahead of schedule.
  3. 5 music performance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Music

    an informal meeting where musicians play together.

    an informal gathering of musicians to play music, often used in the context of folk or jazz.

    Example

    We went to the pub to listen to a traditional Irish music session.

    Example

    The local jazz club hosts an open session every Tuesday night where amateur musicians can play alongside professionals.
  4. 6 drinking period (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal

    a long period of time spent drinking alcohol, usually beer.

    an extended period of social drinking, typically involving several pints of low-alcohol beer.

    Example

    The fans went on a long session at the bar after the game ended.

    Example

    They settled in for a Saturday afternoon session, enjoying the mild weather and the local brewery's latest ales.

    Usage

    Often used with 'on a' as in 'on a session'.
    • drinking bout
  5. 7 to play music together (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Music

    to play music informally with other people.

    to participate in an informal musical performance or jam session.

    Example

    The band spent the whole weekend sessioning in the garage to find a new sound.

    Example

    After the main concert, several performers stayed late to session with the local opening act.
Origin

From Middle English session, from Old French session, from Latin sessiō (“a sitting”), from sedeō (“sit”).

Idioms1 entry

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