joint session

American  

noun

1. a joint meeting, as of both houses of a bicameral legislature.

   The president addressed a joint session of Congress on the crisis in Central America.

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Etymology

Origin of joint session

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Number of times a British monarch has addressed Congress in joint session, after Britain’s King Charles did so on Tuesday with a speech marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“Prices are plummeting downward,” the president told the American public and a joint session of Congress during his marathon State of the Union address.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

The remark drew thunderous applause before the joint session of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday at 9 p.m.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

This was on my mind during the evening of February 24, when Barack addressed a joint session of Congress.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama