plenary

American  

[plee-nuh-ree, plen-uh-] / ˈpli nə ri, ˈplɛn ə- /

adjective

1. full; complete; entire; absolute; unqualified.

   plenary powers.

2. attended by all qualified members; fully constituted.

   a plenary session of Congress.

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noun

plural

plenaries

1. a plenary session, meeting, or the like.

plenary British  

/ ˈplɛn-, ˈpliːnərɪ /

adjective

1. full, unqualified, or complete

   plenary powers

   plenary indulgence

2. (of assemblies, councils, etc) attended by all the members

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noun

1. a book of the gospels or epistles and homilies read at the Eucharist

Other Word Forms

• plenarily adverb

Etymology

Origin of plenary

First recorded in 1375–1425; from Late Latin plēnārius ( plenum, -ary ); replacing late Middle English plener, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin plēnāris ( -ar ¹ )

Example Sentences

Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the authority to establish a “uniform rule of naturalization,” and the Supreme Court has long held that federal authority over immigration is “plenary”—sweeping and essentially exclusive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ma’s last disclosed appearance was at a plenary meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee in October.

From The Wall Street Journal

I think, frankly, he enjoys foreign policy because it is an area where the presidency has plenary power.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is one female toilet with two cubicles near the plenary chamber, though the entire building itself has nine female toilets with 22 cubicles.

From BBC

These were heartily applauded in the plenary halls – but their legal standing is uncertain.

From BBC