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

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

Lords Leader Baroness Smith said the "historic legislation" realised Labour's manifesto pledge to remove the right of all hereditary peers to sit and vote in the upper house.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

The lengthy document, known as the "July Charter" after the uprising that toppled Hasina, proposes term limits for prime ministers, the creation of an upper house of parliament, stronger presidential powers, and greater judicial independence.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Having a two-thirds majority enables the government to override decisions by the upper house where the coalition is in a minority.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

In most colonies a greater property qualification was required for voting for members of the upper house of the legislature than for members of the lower house.

From The Short Constitution by Russell, William F.