cloture

[ kloh-cher ]

/ ˈkloʊ tʃər /

U.S. Parliamentary Procedure

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noun

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

verb (used with or without object), clo·tured, clo·tur·ing.

to close (a debate) by cloture.

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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

Words nearby cloture

cloth yard, Clotilda, clotted cream, clotting factor, clotty, cloture, clou, cloud, cloudage, cloud band, cloud base

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cloture in a sentence

It’s a matter of getting cloture for a full vote of the Senate.
Gill Foundation puts up $1 million for campaign to expand LGBTQ civil rights|Chris Johnson|January 20, 2021|Washington Blade
In theory, Senate Democrats could change the cloture rule—and, with it, the need for 60 votes.
What Really Happens When There's a 50-50 Split in the Senate?|Abigail Abrams|January 12, 2021|Time
Unlike today, when 60 senators can force a vote using a process known as cloture, there was no way to end the obstruction.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
In 1917, cloture was introduced, with a two-thirds majority required for its use.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox

The closest we have, then, is the count of cloture votes, which records how often the majority tries to end a filibuster.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
Getting 15 Republicans to support cloture on any Democratic nominee is going to be tough.
The Coming Battle for a New SecDef|Michael Tomasky|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The little pests will go on to a supposedly prestigious institution (the Senate) choked in ivy (or cloture debate).
The Federal Government Has Violated My Right to Chainsaw|P. J. O’Rourke|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While Corker joined the rest of his caucus in voting against final passage, he saw no point in voting against cloture.
Senate Raises Debt Ceiling After GOP 'Dysfunction'|Ben Jacobs|February 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The big turning point in the vote seemed to be when both McConnell and Cornyn supported the cloture vote.
Senate Raises Debt Ceiling After GOP 'Dysfunction'|Ben Jacobs|February 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Republicans who face a challenge—like Minority Leader Mitch McConnell—voted against cloture, and will vote against the deal.
Another Rebuke of the Tea Party?|Jamelle Bouie|December 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
To prevent this Mr. Mason wishes a rule of cloture (or closure, as it is called in England) adopted.
The Great Round World and What Is Going On In It, Vol. 1, No. 27, May 13, 1897|Various
If you had asked a Chicagoan, the honorable chairman would have been compelled to resort to cloture before the orator got through.
Modern Eloquence: Vol III, After-Dinner Speeches P-Z|Various

British Dictionary definitions for cloture

cloture

/ (ˈkləʊtʃə) /

noun

closure in the US Senate

verb

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

Word Origin for cloture

C19: from French clôture, from Old French closure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for cloture

cloture

[ (kloh-chuhr) ]

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