question time

American  

noun

Parliamentary Procedure.

1. a time set aside in a session during which members of a parliament may question a minister or ministers regarding state affairs.

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question time British  

noun

1. (in parliamentary bodies of the British type) a period of time set aside each day for members to question government ministers

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Etymology

Origin of question time

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Sinéad McLaughlin, who is the party's economy spokesperson, outlined the figures during question time in the assembly.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed satisfaction about the Hungarian court’s decision after announcing it during a question time in the lower house.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

Mr. Rogers offered Mr. Clyde the bulk of his question time for the grilling, after noting that the record-setting levels of military assistance required “an unprecedented level of oversight by Congress.”

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2023

“We are on the verge of seeing a possible mass dismissal of researchers this year,” Tomoko Tamura, a member of the legislature’s upper house, said during a May parliamentary question time on the issue.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 5, 2022

Punctually at a quarter to four, after question time, the Speaker asked the usual question on these occasions—if there were any new members desirous of taking their seats?

From From Crow-Scaring to Westminster; an Autobiography by George Edwards M.P. O.B.E.