cloture
Americannoun
verb (used with or without object)
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of cloture
1870–75; < French clôture, Middle French closture < Vulgar Latin *clōstūra, alteration of Latin clōstra, claustra, plural of claustrum barrier. See claustral, -ure
Explanation
When a Senate debate is brought to a swift end, it's done with a procedure called cloture. Cloture is most often used to end a filibuster. Other governments, including the U.K. and Australia, have similar rules for halting debate. The United States first adopted cloture in 1919 as a response to filibusters, which occur when a Senator speaks at great length, usually to avoid voting on a bill that he or she doesn't support. Filibusters can go on for hours—but when at least 60 Senators vote for cloture, all debate stops and a vote must occur. Cloture means "closure" in French.
Vocabulary lists containing cloture
U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Legislative Branch, Sections 4–6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Senate advanced Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next Federal Reserve chair, voting 49-44 to invoke cloture.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 2026
In 1917, senators adopted the rule allowing cloture if a two-thirds majority voted to end debate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 11, 2025
The result is that a determined minority can block legislation by preventing cloture and prolonging debate.
From Barron's ● Nov. 4, 2025
On Monday, it cleared a cloture vote in the Senate, with 16 Democrats joining Republicans to push it toward passage.
From Slate ● May 21, 2025
If you had asked a Chicagoan, the honorable chairman would have been compelled to resort to cloture before the orator got through.
From Modern Eloquence: Vol III, After-Dinner Speeches P-Z by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
