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Showing results for cross-bench. Search instead for cross-benches.

cross-bench

British  

noun

  1. (usually plural) a seat in Parliament occupied by a neutral or independent member

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • cross-bencher noun

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.

Both opponents and supporters of the bill say it will depend on a number of cross-bench peers who do not have a party allegiance.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

“The oddity is having bishops in the lords at all,” said Peter Ricketts, a retired British diplomat who is a cross-bench member of the House of Lords, meaning that he does not represent a party.

From New York Times • May 11, 2023

Signatories to the letter from the cross-bench group of MPs also include the Labour leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward, and deputy leader Brigid Jones.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2022

The new cross-bench politicians want to make their first speeches to parliament before speaking on the climate change bill, which may delay its introduction, a Greens official said.

From Reuters • Jul. 25, 2022

Skapti sate on the cross-bench, and greeted Asgrim, and he took the greeting well.

From The Story of Burnt Njal: the great Icelandic tribune, jurist, and counsellor by Unknown