special session: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Political, Academic, Legal
Quick answer
What does “special session” mean?
A separate or extra meeting of a legislative body, court, or organization, convened outside of the normal schedule to address specific urgent matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A separate or extra meeting of a legislative body, court, or organization, convened outside of the normal schedule to address specific urgent matters.
Any specially convened meeting or series of meetings for a particular purpose, often implying urgency, importance, or exclusivity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English regarding state/federal legislatures. In UK parliamentary contexts, 'recall of Parliament' or 'emergency debate' may be preferred, but 'special session' is understood and used.
Connotations
In both, it implies urgency and importance. In the US, it is a standard constitutional/governmental term with clear procedural rules.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in political journalism and legal discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “special session” in a Sentence
The governor called a special session to address the budget crisis.A special session of parliament was convened.They are holding a special session on climate policy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “special session” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Prime Minister may prorogue Parliament.
- MPs petitioned to reconvene the House.
American English
- The governor can call a special session.
- The legislature was summoned back to the capital.
adverb
British English
- The committee met specially to review the case.
American English
- They convened specially to pass the emergency bill.
adjective
British English
- They discussed it in a special parliamentary sitting.
- An extraordinary meeting was required.
American English
- The special session agenda was tightly focused.
- A special congressional hearing was announced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A special session of the board was called to approve the merger.
Academic
The conference featured a special session on quantum computing applications.
Everyday
The school council held a special session to discuss the new uniform policy.
Technical
The UN convened a special session of the General Assembly.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “special session”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “special session”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “special session”
- Using 'special session' for any important regular meeting (incorrect – it must be *outside* the normal schedule).
- Confusing it with 'workshop' or 'seminar' in non-governmental contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be used for any formally convened body (e.g., a board, committee, academic conference) that meets outside its normal schedule for a specific purpose.
An 'emergency session' is a type of special session convened specifically in response to a sudden, critical situation. All emergency sessions are special sessions, but not all special sessions are for emergencies (e.g., they can be for planned, complex legislation).
Yes, it is a fixed compound noun where 'special' functions as an adjective modifying 'session'. It is typically written as two words.
The key is the middle sound: /ˈseʃ.ən/. The 's' is soft, and the 'ti' makes a 'sh' sound (/ʃ/), not 'see-shun' or 'seh-see-on'.
A separate or extra meeting of a legislative body, court, or organization, convened outside of the normal schedule to address specific urgent matters.
Special session is usually formal, political, academic, legal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Special' circumstances require a 'special' meeting outside the normal 'session' schedule.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT/PROCEDURE IS A SCHEDULED EVENT (deviations from the schedule signify importance/urgency).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'special session' LEAST likely to be used?