What does "senator" mean?
A member, normally elected, in the house or chamber of a legislature called a senate, as, for instance, the legislatures of the United States and Canada.
Senator
/ˈsɛn.ə.tə/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A member, normally elected, in the house or chamber of a legislature called a senate, as, for instance, the legislatures of the United States and Canada.
- Grammar: senator is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: academic official, alderman, assemblyman, cassius.
- Useful contrasts: nonlegislator, nonmember, outsider.
- Usage evidence: The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy.
How to use "senator"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "senator" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "senator" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "senator" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "senator" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "senator" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic official" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "senator", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A member, normally elected, in the house or chamber of a legislature called a senate, as, for instance, the legislatures of the United States and Canada.
"It was disbanded when Derrick was only six, after that grouchy old ultra-Libertarian Senator Timothy de Illy made “welfare hotel for Third-World nations” a household catchphrase."
- 2 The title for someone who is elected to be a senator.
"The legislation, sponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lee, and Murphy, required the president to withdraw all forces from Yemen (except those participating in antiterrorism operations against AQAP) within 30 days of enactment."
- 3 a member of a senate wordnet
- 4 A member of any legislative body or parliament, particularly the British Parliament. dated
- 5 A member of the ancient Roman Senate. historical
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 A member of a governing council in other states in the ancient world. historical
- 7 A member of the ruler’s council or governing council in general, a leading statesman.
"Both we will raigne as Conſuls of the earth, And mightie kings ſhall be our Senators."
- 8 An important church official. obsolete
- 9 In Germany, a minister of the executive branch of government in the city states of Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg; and a government official of cities that were part of the Hanseatic League.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "senator"?
Common synonyms include: academic official, alderman, assemblyman, cassius, catiline, chosen freeholder.
How do you use "senator" in a sentence?
The senator remained neutral in the furious controversy.
How do you pronounce "senator"?
Pronounced /ˈsɛn.ə.tə/.
Etymology
From Latin senātor, ultimately from senex (“old”), equivalent to senate + -or.