senator

1 of 2

noun (1)

sen·​a·​tor ˈse-nə-tər How to pronounce senator (audio)
Synonyms of senatornext
: a member of a senate
senatorship
ˈse-nə-tər-ˌship How to pronounce senator (audio)
noun

senatorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

sen·​a·​tor·​ship
: the office or position of senator

Examples of senator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But because the late senator had been seeking reelection and already secured the nomination in June, Republicans also needed a new candidate on the ballot. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Minnesota hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 2006, while the last Republican senator was elected in 2002. — Connor Greene, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Craig had the backing of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several senators from battleground states. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 His spouse Elspeth Sampson is played by Canadian Kathleen Robertson, styled like Kyrsten Sinema, the former senator from Arizona. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for senator

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English senatour, from Anglo-French senatur, from Latin senator, from senatus

Noun (2)

senator + -ship

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of senator was in the 13th century

Rhymes for senator

See All Rhymes for senator

Browse Nearby Words

senate
senator
senatorial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Senator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/senator. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

senator

noun
sen·​a·​tor ˈsen-ət-ər How to pronounce senator (audio)
: a member of a senate
senatorship
-ˌship How to pronounce senator (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

senator

noun
sen·​a·​tor ˈse-nə-tər How to pronounce senator (audio)
: a member of a senate
senatorial
ˌse-nə-ˈtōr-ē-əl How to pronounce senator (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on senator

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for senator

Nglish: Translation of senator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about senator

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