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

The university hailed the decision as a victory for both the board’s executive session practices and for access to higher education in Idaho.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

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

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

From New York Times • May 25, 2023

At nine o'clock the Speaker of the assembly, Middenrigh by name, in executive session, declared that the country was in danger.

From The Rise of the Dutch Kingdom 1795-1813 by Van Loon, Hendrik Willem