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
Administration, Revenue, &c.—The country is governed as a crown colony, the governor being assisted by a legislative council composed of officials and nominated unofficial members.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" 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.
