senator
Americannoun
-
Often Senator a member of a senate.
-
Senator, (in the United States) a title of respect accorded a person who is or has been a member of the Senate.
noun
-
(often capital) a member of a Senate or senate
-
any legislator or statesman
Other Word Forms
- senatorship noun
Etymology
Origin of senator
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English senatour, from Anglo-French, from Latin senātor, equivalent to sen(ātus) “council of elders” + -ātor noun suffix; senate, -ator
Explanation
A senator is a person who works in the government. In the United States, senators are elected by voters to represent them in a state or federal senate. Each state in the US elects two senators who serve six-year terms in Washington, DC, where they pass laws and vote on policies. Other countries have senators as well, either elected or appointed. The word senator has been used in English since around 1200, from the Latin word, senex, or "old man." This is especially appropriate when you know that men have far outnumbered women in the US senate and that the first female senator wasn't elected until 1932.
Vocabulary lists containing senator
Name On: Pro Sports Team Names, Part 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Civics I
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ancient Rome - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“This woman was brave to come forward, and we should take her story seriously,” the senator said on social media.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally and foreign policy hawk, said congressional oversight is needed to "kick the tires."
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
“I don’t know if the public understands the scale at which charitable gaming is occurring in the state,” said Sean Cleary, a Republican state senator in North Dakota.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
These days, being a limelight-seeking senator, swing-state governor, or New York City real estate developer who used to host a reality TV show can do the trick.
From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026
Georgia talks about her internship with some senator, and then Mrs. Darcy asks me questions.
From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
