committee

[kuh-mit-ee]

noun

1. a person or group of persons elected or appointed to perform some service or function, as to investigate, report on, or act upon a particular matter.

2. standing committee.

3. Law.,  an individual to whom the care of a person or a person's estate is committed.

committee

noun

1. a group of people chosen or appointed to perform a specified service or function

2. (formerly) a person to whom the care of a mentally incompetent person or his property was entrusted by a court See also receiver

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• committeeism noun
• committeeship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of committee¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French; commit, -ee

Word History and Origins

Origin of committee¹

C15: from committen to entrust + _-ee

Example Sentences

Calling fossil fuels a threat to humanity, Fonda created JanePAC, a political action committee that has spent millions on candidates at the forefront of that fight.

From Los Angeles Times

It was approved by a Belfast City Council committee in September, but is subject to ratification at Wednesday night's meeting.

From BBC

Frey, whose campaign filed the challenge that led to the rule committee’s decision, praised the state party for the revocation and ensuring that all the candidates “get treated equally by the DFL in November.”

From Salon

Repressive regimes can and have stacked the committees so they align with state interests.

From Los Angeles Times

Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

• board 
• bureau 
• cabinet 
• chamber 
• commission 
• jury 
• panel 
• task force