lower house

American  

[loh-er] / ˈloʊ ər /

noun

1. one of two branches of a legislature, generally more representative and with more members than the upper branch.

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lower house British  

noun

1. Also called: lower chamber.  one of the two houses of a bicameral legislature: usually the larger and more representative house Compare upper house

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Etymology

Origin of lower house

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Tuesday's vote came after the lower house last week backed repealing outdated slavery legislation that was never annulled despite the practice being abolished in 1848.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Lawmakers in the lower house voted overwhelmingly against him, but enough Senators backed his appointment for it to be approved.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

As governor, Rocha has immunity from prosecution, which can be stripped by Mexico’s lower house of Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Unlike the lower house of Congress, the 60-member-strong Senate cannot be dissolved by the president and is therefore expected to wield considerable political power.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

There was little opposition to the recognition of Texan independence, although a few members of the lower house, headed by Adams, voted against it.

From Thomas Hart Benton by Roosevelt, Theodore