legislative council
Americannoun
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the upper house of a bicameral legislature.
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a unicameral legislature in a British colony consisting of the governor, official members appointed by the governor, and unofficial members representing the Indigenous population.
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a committee composed of members of both houses of a state legislature that meets between sessions to study particular problems and develop programs for the next session.
noun
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the upper chamber of certain bicameral legislatures, such as those of the Indian and Australian states
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the unicameral legislature of certain colonies or dependent territories
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(in the US) a committee composed of members of both chambers of a state legislature, that meets to discuss problems, construct a legislative programme, etc
Etymology
Origin of legislative council
First recorded in 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sharp-Collins said she prepared the legislation in consultation with the state attorney general’s office and legislative council to ensure it would withstand a challenge from the Trump administration if it became law.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026
The recent tragedy came as the Hong Kong government has been campaigning to boost turnout for a legislative council election scheduled for Dec. 7.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 1, 2025
As president, Sharaa would form an interim legislative council to help govern until a new constitution was approved, he said.
From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2025
A news release from the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association says its legislative council voted for the change on Thursday, effective immediately.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 9, 2022
The legislative council 153 consists of the governor and three official and two unofficial nominated members, and the executive of the same, with the exception that there is only one unofficial member.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
