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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use plenary in a sentence

Environments designed by the Miami-based start-up’s team of coders and trained architects include a gold-toned plenary hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and a suite of lobbies to foster chance encounters among participants.
What a conference in the metaverse looks like|Anne Quito|February 25, 2022|Quartz
He had chosen his plenary to break the news to the unsuspecting audience, me included.
E.O. Wilson Saw the World in a Wholly New Way - Issue 112: Inspiration|David Sloan Wilson|January 5, 2022|Nautilus
“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