congressional
Americanadjective
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of or relating to a congress.
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(usually initial capital letter) of or relating to the Congress of the U.S..
a Congressional committee.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of congressional
1685–95; < Latin congressiōn- (stem of congressiō ) a coming together, equivalent to congress ( us ) ( see congress) + -iōn- -ion + -al 1
Explanation
Anything congressional is related to a congress, which is the law-making body of a country. Congress (with a capital “c”) is the law-making branch of the US government. Silly campaign ads start showing up before a congressional race. Congressional most often describes anything related to the US Congress. Congress is the legislative branch of the government, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. These people are voted in. In the US, you vote for a representative in your congressional district. Congressional districts are decided by population, and each state has at least one representative in congress. Congressional hearings are meetings where laws are discussed. Congressional cocktail parties are where members of congress whoop it up.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The observances began with a solemn ceremony attended by congressional colleagues and JD Vance in the Capitol Rotunda.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
At his most recent congressional testimony, Warsh said the U.S. central bank has “no tolerance” for persistently elevated inflation.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
Herrera has said that he “made millions” before his congressional bid and that Congress, where members earn an annual salary of $174,000, would represent a “90%+ pay cut.”
From Salon ● Jul. 24, 2026
Even if the Saudis agree to Trump’s new demand, the deal would face congressional review before taking effect.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026
A congressional delegation had traveled to Selma to investigate the mass arrests and determine if new legislation was needed to ensure voting rights.
From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
