plenary

[ plee-nuh-ree, plen-uh- ]

/ ˈpli nə ri, ˈplɛn ə- /

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See synonyms for plenary on Thesaurus.com

adjective

full; complete; entire; absolute; unqualified: plenary powers.

attended by all qualified members; fully constituted: a plenary session of Congress.

noun, plural ple·na·ries.

a plenary session, meeting, or the like.

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Origin of plenary

First recorded in 1375–1425; from Late Latin plēnārius (see plenum, -ary); replacing late Middle English plener, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin plēnāris (see -ar¹)

OTHER WORDS FROM plenary

ple·na·ri·ly, adverb

Words nearby plenary

pleiotropic gene, pleiotropism, pleiotropy, Pleistocene, Plekhanov, plenary, plenary indulgence, plench, plenipotent, plenipotentiary, plenish

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use plenary in a sentence

“More than 300 member organizations worldwide participated in the voting process, workshops, plenary sessions, regional and board meetings during the 8-day virtual event,” the statement notes.
D.C. loses bid for 2025 World Pride to Taiwan|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|November 13, 2021|Washington Blade
The opening plenary brought a diverse group of leaders together to discuss the theme “Mobilizing for Impact.”
The Clinton Global Initiative Kicks off With Tears, Impressions, and Fighting Words|Nina Strochlic|September 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The hottest debate in Davos on Thursday will come from a series of plenary sessions on Europe.
From Capitalism to the World's Most Vulnerable|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A plenary session features a keynote address on “unleashing creativity” from the founder of a promotions site called ePrize.
The Perils of Borrowing Online|Gary Rivlin|October 12, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Your arm was stout enough in old days, and I give you plenary authority to use it as you see fit.
A Thin Ghost and Others|M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
He also conceded a plenary indulgence to all who have made such visits three times in three distinct days.
The Mysteries of All Nations|James Grant
I, on my part, will listen to your lover's confessions and give you plenary absolution—even for listening at keyholes.
Joan of the Sword Hand|S(amuel) R(utherford) Crockett
It was called Great Friday, and on that day such as entered the sanctuary of Anis received plenary indulgence.
The Life of Joan of Arc, Vol. 1 and 2 (of 2)|Anatole France
One would suppose that she had plenary indulgences for her conduct.
Court Beauties of Old Whitehall|W. R. H. Trowbridge

British Dictionary definitions for plenary

plenary

/ (ˈpliːnərɪ, ˈplɛn-) /

adjective

full, unqualified, or completeplenary powers; plenary indulgence

(of assemblies, councils, etc) attended by all the members

noun plural -ries

a book of the gospels or epistles and homilies read at the Eucharist

Derived forms of plenary

plenarily, adverb

Word Origin for plenary

C15: from Late Latin plēnārius, from Latin plēnus full; related to Middle English plener; see plenum

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

plenary

Origin of plenary

OTHER WORDS FROM plenary

Words nearby plenary

Words related to plenary

How to use plenary in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for plenary

Derived forms of plenary

Word Origin for plenary