cloture

American  

[kloh-cher] / ˈkloʊ tʃər /

noun

1. a method of closing a debate and causing an immediate vote to be taken on the question.

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verb (used with or without object)

clotured, cloturing

1. to close (a debate) by cloture.

cloture British  

/ ˈkləʊtʃə /

noun

1. closure in the US Senate

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verb

1. (tr) to end (debate) in the US Senate by cloture

cloture Cultural  

1. A vote of a legislature used to stop debate on an issue and put the issue to a vote. (See filibuster.)

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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.

Example Sentences

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

The Senate needed to secure 60 votes to invoke cloture.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

In the same way it was thought telling to call the cloture "the French gag" during some recent discussions of parliamentary rules.

From Books and Bookmen by Lang, Andrew