executive session

American  

noun

Government.

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of executive session

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Attorneys for the school district acknowledged that a portion of an Aug. 24, 2021 meeting where they hired Smith, prior to going into executive session, did not get recorded.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

The meeting will include an executive session, though no action is expected to be taken.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2023

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

After they had all been heard, the councilors went into executive session, with press and public barred.

From The Eel by DeFord, Miriam Allen