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

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

The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment on these endorsements or on Mills’ public statements about the filibuster.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

A highly caffeinated New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, of 25-hour filibuster fame, summoned past glories and urged Democrats to find their way back to the party’s grounding principles, then fight from there.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 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