select committee

American  

noun

1. a committee, as of a legislative body, that is formed to examine and report on a specific bill or issue.

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select committee British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a small committee composed of members of parliament, set up by either House of Parliament to investigate and report back on a specified matter of interest

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Etymology

Origin of select committee

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

At the select committee, in the Commons and in the press.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

But he faced pressure from Labour MP Tan Dhesi, who chairs the defence select committee, who warned that further delay to the plan risked "further damage to our defence-industrial base".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Since the beginning of the year, she has organized two select committee hearings under the general banner of “housing construction innovation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Earlier this month, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford was called to give evidence to the home affairs select committee for a second time.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

The report was ordered printed, and recommitted to the select committee on the Washington Monument.

From History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society by Harvey, Frederick Loviad

Related Words

• panel