House of Representatives

American  

noun

1. the lower legislative branch in many national and state bicameral governing bodies, as in the United States, Mexico, and Japan. H.R., HR

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House of Representatives British  

noun

1. (in the US) the lower chamber of Congress

2. (in Australia) the lower chamber of Parliament

3. the sole chamber of New Zealand's Parliament: formerly the lower chamber

4. (in the US) the lower chamber in many state legislatures

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House of Representatives Cultural  

1. The lower house of the United States Congress. With 435 popularly elected officials, the House (as it is often called) is the most representative body in the federal government. House seats are apportioned (see apportionment) relative to each state's population. Because of its larger size, the House tends to maintain a closer link to local constituent concerns than the Senate, though both houses of Congress participate in virtually all aspects of legislation and policymaking. The Speaker of the House is one of the most influential officials in Washington, D.C., and is second in succession to the presidency, after the vice president.

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Example Sentences

House of Representatives routinely give campaign money to fellow members of their own party.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

A Republican congressman who missed dozens of votes while on unexplained medical leave from the House of Representatives told fellow lawmakers he was in hospital for depression during his 142-day absence.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

House of Representatives and is the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

Fishing for my press badge, I spotted a trio of anti-Trump protesters holding handmade signs outside an entrance to the House of Representatives.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Adams foresaw a very close electoral vote, perhaps even a tie with Jefferson, which would then throw the election into the House of Representatives.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• body
• chamber
• house
• parliament