executive session

American  

noun

Government.

1. a session, generally closed to the public, of a legislative body or its leaders.

---

executive session British  

noun

1. a session of the Senate for the discussion of executive business, such as the ratification of treaties: formerly held in secret

---

Etymology

Origin of executive session

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees Arizona and Arizona State, will hold a closed executive session to look at possible legal advice and discussion regarding university athletics.

From Washington Times • Aug. 3, 2023

The Arizona Board of Regents, which controls both Arizona and fellow Pac-12 school Arizona State, met later Tuesday and quickly went into executive session behind closed doors.

From Washington Times • Aug. 2, 2023

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents met Sunday in an hourslong executive session to approve “potential” negotiations of a settlement with McElroy.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 31, 2023

Before the vote, the committee met in an executive session, outside public view.

From New York Times • May 25, 2023

"Why isn't this a good time for our Society to go into executive session?"

From The Bachelors A Novel by Orcutt, William Dana