upper house

American  

noun

1. one of two branches of a legislature generally smaller and less representative than the lower branch, as the Senate of the U.S. Congress.

---

upper house British  

noun

1. Also called: upper chamber.  (often capitals) one of the two houses of a bicameral legislature Compare lower house

---

Etymology

Origin of upper house

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

They will retain these roles when they lose the right to sit in the Lords along with dozens of other hereditary peers, under the Labour government's reforms of the upper house.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Voters also took part in a referendum on the charter and whether to endorse its proposals for prime ministerial term limits, a new upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers and greater judicial independence.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Among the constitutional reforms envisaged are prime ministerial term limits, a directly elected upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers and increased judicial independence.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

They can also overrule parliament’s upper house if the two chambers clash on legislation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

The “Impeachment” or accusation is brought by a two-thirds vote of the lower house, and the trial and conviction or acquittal is carried on by the upper house.

From The Short Constitution by Russell, William F.