parliamentary

/ˌˈpɑrləˌmɛntəri/

/pɑləˈmɛntəri/

Other forms: parliamentarily

The adjective parliamentary refers to anything related to the formal rules, procedures, or discussions of a governing body that makes laws.

The word parliamentary traces back to the French word parlement, meaning "talk" or "discussion." Many democratic countries, including Canada and France, have primary governing bodies called parliaments, groups of officials who deliberate and vote on laws. Anything related to a parliament can be referred to as parliamentary — e.g., parliamentary rules and procedures. The principal lawmaking body of the U.S. is not called a parliament, but the U.S. Congress also has parliamentary procedures — rules that govern decision-making and debate.

Definitions of parliamentary

1. adjective

   relating to or having the nature of a law-making body
   “parliamentary reform”

   “a parliamentary body”
2. adjective

   having the highest law-making power in a group of cabinet ministers chosen from and responsible to the law-making body
   “parliamentary government”

   synonyms:

   democratic

   characterized by or advocating or based upon the principles of democracy or social equality
3. adjective

   in accord with rules and customs of a legislative or deliberative assembly
   “parliamentary law”

   synonyms:

   democratic

   characterized by or advocating or based upon the principles of democracy or social equality