filibuster

American  

[fil-uh-buhs-ter] / ˈfɪl əˌbʌs tər /

noun

1. U.S. Politics.

   1. the use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.

   2. an exceptionally long speech, as one lasting for a day or days, or a series of such speeches to accomplish this purpose.

   3. a member of a legislature who makes such a speech.

2. an irregular military adventurer, especially one who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution.

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verb (used without object)

1. U.S. Politics. to impede legislation by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.

2. to act as an irregular military adventurer, especially for revolutionary purposes.

verb (used with object)

1. U.S. Politics. to impede (legislation) by irregular or obstructive tactics, especially by making long speeches.

filibuster British  

/ ˈfɪlɪˌbʌstə /

noun

1. the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics

2. Also called: filibusterer.  a legislator who engages in such obstruction

3. a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp a revolutionary in a foreign country

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verb

1. to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics

2. (intr) to engage in unlawful and private military action

filibuster Cultural  

1. A strategy employed in the United States Senate, whereby a minority can delay a vote on proposed legislation by making long speeches or introducing irrelevant issues. A successful filibuster can force withdrawal of a bill. Filibusters can be ended only by cloture.

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Other Word Forms

• antifilibuster noun
• filibusterer noun
• filibusterism noun
• filibusterous adjective

Etymology

Origin of filibuster

First recorded in 1580–90; from Spanish filibustero, from Middle French flibustier, variant of fribustier; freebooter

Explanation

As a verb, filibuster means "to obstruct legislation by talking at great length." As a noun, it can refer to that oppositional speech. "The Senator prevented a vote on the bill by reading the dictionary from aardvark to zyzzyva." As a parliamentary tactic, the filibuster dates back to at least the first century B.C.E. The rules of the Roman Senate required that all business must be completed by nightfall, and, on more than one occasion, the senator Cato the Younger spoke until dark to delay a vote. In the Parliament of the United Kingdom, a minister may "talk out" a bill, but his speech must pertain to the bill. In the United States, by contrast, a Senator may forestall action on a bill by speaking on any topic.

Example Sentences

On the topic of the legislative filibuster, put to one side the matter of court and cabinet nominations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

In times as desperate as these, it’s unclear how much Alvarado’s filibuster really would have mattered.

From Slate • Aug. 28, 2025

Understand this about Clark: He can filibuster a yes or no question into a 45-second monologue without actually answering yes or no.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025

The new law passed on the last day of this year’s legislative session with just enough votes to break a filibuster.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024

There was even a type of speech called the filibuster, whose sole purpose was to waste time.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• delaying tactic
• obstruction
• procrastination