select committee

American  

noun

1. a committee, as of a legislative body, that is formed to examine and report on a specific bill or issue.

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select committee British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a small committee composed of members of parliament, set up by either House of Parliament to investigate and report back on a specified matter of interest

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Etymology

Origin of select committee

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

He joined the whips office after Sir Keir Starmer became Labour leader – following a brief stint on the health and social care select committee - and is seen as a Starmer loyalist.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The foreign affairs select committee has confirmed Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street chief of staff, who resigned over his role in Lord Mandelson's appointment in February, will give evidence on Tuesday next week.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Foreign Affairs select committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry has invited Sir Olly to give evidence on Tuesday next week, the second time he will have been quizzed about his involvement in the Mandelson scandal.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

But he faced pressure from Labour MP Tan Dhesi, who chairs the defence select committee, who warned that further delay to the plan risked "further damage to our defence-industrial base".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The select committee were unable to ascertain with any accuracy the total amount paid by the metropolitan parishes for the maintenance, “however inefficient,” of their fire-engines, but it was estimated to be about �10,000.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

Related Words

• panel