houses of parliament: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Political, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “houses of parliament” mean?
The building in London where the UK's primary legislative bodies, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The building in London where the UK's primary legislative bodies, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meet.
The term can also refer to the legislative bodies and the entire political institution of the UK Parliament housed within the Palace of Westminster. By extension, it is sometimes used to describe similar parliamentary buildings in other Commonwealth countries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to the UK and Commonwealth systems. In the US, the equivalent is 'the Capitol' (building) or 'Congress' (institution). 'Houses of Parliament' is rarely used in American English except in specific reference to the UK.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes history, tradition, and the centre of political power. In American English, it's seen as a foreign political institution, often associated with British heritage and pageantry.
Frequency
High frequency in UK political/news context; very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “houses of parliament” in a Sentence
The Houses of Parliament + verb (are, have, debate, sit)visit/see/tour + the Houses of Parliamenta debate/decision in the Houses of ParliamentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “houses of parliament” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bill was finally houses-of-parliamented through after a marathon session. (Note: This is a highly creative, non-standard usage for illustration)
- The Prime Minister will address the Houses of Parliament tomorrow.
American English
- The correspondent reported on the events houses-of-parliamenting in London. (Note: This is a highly creative, non-standard usage for illustration)
- The documentary focused on the UK's Houses of Parliament.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- A Houses-of-Parliament-style debate ensued in the council chamber.
- The tour offered a behind-the-scenes Houses of Parliament experience.
American English
- The building had a vaguely Houses-of-Parliament grandeur about it.
- They studied the Houses of Parliament procedures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless discussing government policy or regulation affecting business.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and law contexts discussing UK governance.
Everyday
Used when discussing UK politics, news, or as a tourist landmark.
Technical
Specific term in constitutional law and political studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “houses of parliament”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “houses of parliament”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “houses of parliament”
- Incorrect: 'House of Parliament' (missing 's'). Incorrect: 'The houses of parliament' (not capitalised when referring to the UK institution). Incorrect use of singular verb: 'The Houses of Parliament is...' (correct: 'are').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural because it refers to two 'Houses' (Commons and Lords). Use plural verbs: 'The Houses of Parliament are...'
'Parliament' is the overall institution of UK legislature. 'Houses of Parliament' more specifically refers to its two constituent chambers and/or the physical Palace of Westminster building where they meet.
Some Commonwealth countries (e.g., Canada, Australia) have buildings with similar names, but the term is overwhelmingly associated with the UK. It is not used for the US Congress.
Because the UK has a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature: the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords.
The building in London where the UK's primary legislative bodies, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meet.
Houses of parliament is usually formal, political, journalistic in register.
Houses of parliament: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaʊzɪz əv ˈpɑːləmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaʊzɪz əv ˈpɑːrləmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with the full phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two HOUSES (Commons and Lords) inside one big PARLIAMENT building, like a family with two branches living in one famous home.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A BUILDING (The foundation of democracy, the corridors of power).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Houses of Parliament' specifically refer to in the UK context?