cloture

[ kloh-cher ]

noun

1. a method of closing a debate and causing an immediate vote to be taken on the question.

verb (used with or without object)

, clo·tured, clo·tur·ing.

1. to close (a debate) by cloture.

cloture

/ ˈkləʊtʃə /

noun

1. closure in the US Senate

verb

1. tr to end (debate) in the US Senate by cloture

cloture

1. A vote of a legislature used to stop debate on an issue and put the issue to a vote. ( See filibuster .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloture¹

1870–75; < French clôture, Middle French closture < Vulgar Latin *clōstūra, alteration of Latin clōstra, claustra, plural of claustrum barrier. See claustral, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of cloture¹

C19: from French clôture, from Old French closure

Example Sentences

The final 85-15 vote on the cloture motion for the compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act sets it up for final passage on Wednesday.

From Washington Times

“If the Biden administration wants their nominees confirmed then Senate Democrats can do what Coach just did in September and file a cloture petition to force a vote.”

From Washington Times

At the end of the allotted time, a vote is taken to end debate, called a cloture vote.

From Washington Times

"As of April 6," the group observed, "there are still 18 Article III nominees pending on the Senate floor, waiting for cloture and confirmation votes."

From Salon

Bills must go through three rounds of debate to pass, and up to eight hours of debate is allotted for the first round before a cloture vote — or a vote to end debate — is taken.

From Seattle Times