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unicameral

American  
[yoo-ni-kam-er-uhl] / ˌju nɪˈkæm ər əl /

adjective

  1. consisting of a single chamber, as a legislative assembly.


unicameral British  
/ ˌjuːnɪˈkæmərəl /

adjective

  1. of or characterized by a single legislative chamber

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of unicameral

1850–55; uni- + Latin camer ( a ) chamber + -al 1


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Explanation

Use the adjective unicameral to describe a government with only one legislative house or chamber. The Parliament of Finland, for example, is unicameral. Some governments are split into two houses — these are called bicameral legislatures. When there is only one house, usually because the government is small or the country is homogeneous, it's called unicameral. Having a unicameral government is simpler and more straightforward, while a bicameral legislature can represent more diverse groups. The word unicameral has two Latin roots, uni, which means "one," and camera, "chamber."

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Vocabulary lists containing unicameral

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.

See Examples For:

The unicameral National Assembly unanimously backed the mining law on its second reading, assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced.

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

More than 1,700 candidates are competing for the unicameral parliament’s 120 seats.

From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2024

Mr. Buffet was not the only high-profile American whose name was aired during Monday’s hearing in the Yuan, Taiwan’s unicameral legislature.

From Washington Times ● May 9, 2023

Hunt said Wednesday she is planning to personally appeal to Republicans in the unicameral Legislature to reject the bill.

From Salon ● Apr. 27, 2023

In structure it represents a curious cross between the principles of unicameral and bicameral organization.

From The Governments of Europe by Frederic Austin Ogg

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