cloture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “cloture” mean?
A formal parliamentary procedure to end debate on a proposal and force an immediate vote.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal parliamentary procedure to end debate on a proposal and force an immediate vote.
More broadly, any decisive act that brings lengthy discussion or delay to an end.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in French and is used in US political jargon. In British parliamentary systems, the equivalent term is 'guillotine' or 'closure'.
Connotations
In the US, 'cloture' is a neutral procedural term, though invoking it may be controversial in specific contexts. In the UK, using 'cloture' would be recognised as a direct borrowing from US/French parliamentary language.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, specifically in contexts discussing the US Senate. Rare in British English outside of comparative political analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “cloture” in a Sentence
to cloture [on] debateto cloture the [discussion/bill]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cloture” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The House of Commons does not 'cloture' bills; it 'guillotines' them.
American English
- The Senate Majority Leader moved to cloture the debate on the nomination.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- A cloture-style mechanism is less common here.
American English
- They failed to secure the necessary cloture votes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Could be used metaphorically: "The CEO invoked a kind of cloture to end the endless strategy meeting."
Academic
Common in political science, legal studies, and parliamentary history.
Everyday
Very uncommon. Would likely require explanation outside politically aware circles.
Technical
Core term in parliamentary procedure, especially in US Senate rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cloture”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cloture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloture”
- Using 'cloture' as a general synonym for 'end' or 'conclusion'.
- Pronouncing the 't' strongly in American English (it's 'clo-chur').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its primary purpose is to end a filibuster or prolonged debate in a legislative body, forcing an immediate vote on the pending matter.
Yes, primarily in American English (e.g., 'to cloture a debate'). In British English, 'to apply closure' or 'to guillotine' is used instead.
No. A veto (e.g., by a president) rejects a passed bill. Cloture is a procedure within a debating chamber to end discussion on a bill so it *can* be voted on.
Because Senate rules allow unlimited debate (filibuster), cloture is the main mechanism to overcome obstruction and move legislation or nominations forward, requiring a supermajority (usually 60 votes).
A formal parliamentary procedure to end debate on a proposal and force an immediate vote.
Cloture is usually formal in register.
Cloture: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊtjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊtʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull the cloture trigger”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CLOse' and 'procedURE' combined: Cloture is the procedure to CLOSE debate.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEBATE IS A FLOW; CLOTURE IS A DAM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cloture' most precisely and correctly used?