majlis

American  

[mahj-lis] / ˈmɑdʒ lɪs /

noun

plural

majlis

1. a public audience held by a chieftain, monarch, or other ruler to listen to the requests of petitioners.

2. a house of parliament, as in Iran.

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Majlis British  

/ ˈmædʒlɪs /

noun

1. the parliament of Iran

2. (in various N African and Middle Eastern countries) an assembly; council

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Etymology

Origin of majlis

Borrowed into English from Arabic around 1815–25

Example Sentences

Wopke Hoekstra, the EU climate commissioner, repeated calls for a fossil fuel phase-out at the majlis.

From Washington Times • Dec. 10, 2023

“There aren’t any sirens here to warn us,” said his cousin, 30-year-old Ali abu Sbayeh, frustration edging into his voice as he reclined on a thin mattress in the village’s majlis, the communal meeting area.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2023

The grievances escalated to President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s weekly majlis, a gathering at which any citizen may apply to voice concerns, said Emirati political expert Majed al-Raeesi.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2022

The show’s set is modeled on a traditional majlis, a large, square room found in many Arab homes where guests are invited to meet and talk.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2017

The majlis, or government council, of which the Pasha himself is president, is composed of Turks and Greeks; but the greater portion are Greeks. 

From The Thistle and the Cedar of Lebanon by Risk Allah, Habeeb