Congress
/ˈkɒŋ.ɡrɛs/noun
A formal meeting or assembly for discussion of issues and decision-making.
Did you know?The term 'Congress' originally referred to a coming together or meeting, but in medieval times, it also described secretive councils that wielded significant power—think of it as the original 'power meetings'!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
congressus
“a coming together, meeting, or encounter.”
Middle Ages
Medieval Latin
congressus
“an assembly or gathering of people.”
15th Century
Old French
congrès
“a meeting or assembly, especially for political purposes.”
18th Century
English
Congress
“an assembly of representatives, especially in a legislative context.”
Explore more surprising origins