Definition of "parliament" in English

noun

1. (now chiefly historical) A formal council summoned (especially by a monarch) to discuss important issues.

2. In many countries, the legislative branch of government, a deliberative assembly or set of assemblies whose elected or appointed members meet to debate the major political issues of the day, make, amend, and repeal laws, authorize the executive branch of government to collect and spend money, and in some cases exercise judicial powers; a legislature.

3. A particular assembly of the members of such a legislature, as convened for a specific purpose or period of time (commonly designated with an ordinal number – for example, first parliament or 12th parliament – or a descriptive adjective – for example, Long Parliament, Short Parliament and Rump Parliament).

   • Following the general election, Jane Doe took her oath of office as a member of the nation's fifth parliament.

4. (collective) A gathering of birds, especially rooks or owls.

5. (historical) Parliament cake, a type of gingerbread.