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.

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upper house British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of upper house

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

upper house

However, the bill passed the upper house to become a new law, with support from the ruling bloc and some opposition parties.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

The upper house said 42% of Medi-Cal enrollees are full-time workers who are not enrolled in their company’s healthcare plan because their wages are low enough to qualify for state-subsidized healthcare.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026

The upper house, meanwhile, elected Nan Ni Ni Aye, a regional MP from Karen state with USDP, as another vice-president, the junta said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Mar. 31, 2026

Lord Bethell, a Conservative health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, has also announced his intention to leave the upper house.

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 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.