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

Example Sentences

In 1917, senators adopted the rule allowing cloture if a two-thirds majority voted to end debate.

From Los Angeles Times

The result is that a determined minority can block legislation by preventing cloture and prolonging debate.

From Barron's

The Senate needed to secure 60 votes to invoke cloture.

From Salon

At the end of the allotted time, a vote is taken to end debate, called a cloture vote.

From Washington Times

"As of April 6," the group observed, "there are still 18 Article III nominees pending on the Senate floor, waiting for cloture and confirmation votes."

From Salon