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

The Lords' environment select committee heard from three vets, who said there was growing awareness that fipronil and imidacloprid were causing environmental damage and many vets have already moved away from using them.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Royal Mail executives were hauled in front of a parliamentary select committee in March to respond to the claims.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

The amendment's signatories include select committee chairs Ruth Cadbury, Cat Smith and Helen Hayes.

From BBC • May 19, 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

Lord John Russell having introduced and carried a motion for a select committee on the subject.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 1. No 1, June 1850 by Various

Related Words

• panel