Continental Congress

American  

noun

American History.

1. either of two legislative congresses during and after the Revolutionary War. The first was in session from September 5 to October 26, 1774, to petition the British government for a redress of grievances. The second existed from May 10, 1775, to 1789, and issued the Declaration of Independence and established the Articles of Confederation.

---

Continental Congress British  

noun

1. the assembly of delegates from the North American rebel colonies held during and after the War of American Independence. It issued the Declaration of Independence (1776) and framed the Articles of Confederation (1777)

---

Continental Congress Cultural  

1. An assembly of delegates from the thirteen colonies (soon to become the thirteen states). It governed during the Revolutionary War and under the Articles of Confederation. The Continental Congress first met in 1774, before the revolution. When it reconvened in 1775, it organized for war against Britain and eventually passed the Declaration of Independence.

---

Example Sentences

Even in declaring independence, the American Revolution channeled revolutionary energy through state governments, the Continental Congress and Washington’s army.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The historical record shows that American lawmakers have understood regular forces to mean “the standing army” since 1776, when the Continental Congress set forth the Articles of War.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2025

Jones plays Isaac Higgintoot, a member of the American Continental Congress who — appropriately, given his last name — died of dysentery while serving as a captain in the Revolutionary War.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2024

In the beginning, Guenter says, the Continental Congress was more concerned about developing a “Great Seal” because it was needed for papers it would issue.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2023

They had worked side by side in the Continental Congress, first as staunch opponents of reconciliation with England, then as members of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis