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

In December 2016, Nix was invited to speak at a government select committee as a witness, describing the challenges she faced as an ex-offender in the workplace.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

He joined the whips office after Sir Keir Starmer became Labour leader – following a brief stint on the health and social care select committee - and is seen as a Starmer loyalist.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Foreign Affairs select committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry has invited Sir Olly to give evidence on Tuesday next week, the second time he will have been quizzed about his involvement in the Mandelson scandal.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The speaker, instead of deciding the question, submitted it to the judgment of the House, and it was ultimately referred to a select committee, which reported against Bradlaugh’s claim.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 5 English History by Various

Related Words

• panel