committee

American  

[kuh-mit-ee] / kəˈmɪt i /

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.

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committee British  

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

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Grammar

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• committeeism noun
• committeeship noun

Etymology

Origin of committee

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

Example Sentences

The committee requires inspections when cattle change ownership in or out of the brand area.

From The Wall Street Journal

So-called neighbourhood committees are also providing additional security, with dozens of local Christians protecting churches in coordination with government forces.

From Barron's

There are still outstanding calls for Andrew to give evidence to a US Congress committee and the US Department of Justice.

From BBC

The Chair of Stormont's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committee Robbie Butler welcomed the climb down but said it needs to be "removed totally".

From BBC

Constance has since publicly apologised to Prof Jay at Holyrood's education committee, telling its convener, Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Ross, she did not believe it constituted a breach of the ministerial code.

From BBC

Related Words

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