executive session

noun

, Government.

1. a session, generally closed to the public, of a legislative body or its leaders.

executive session

noun

1. a session of the Senate for the discussion of executive business, such as the ratification of treaties: formerly held in secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of executive session¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Councilmembers will meet in a private executive session before presenting the results publicly and inviting citizen comment.

From Seattle Times

Public records show city council members met last month in executive session with Scott Baumgartner, the city’s private attorney, to discuss a “draft remediation agreement,” but provided no further details.

From Seattle Times

The university hailed the decision as a victory for both the board’s executive session practices and for access to higher education in Idaho.

From Seattle Times

Attorneys for the school district acknowledged that a portion of an Aug. 24, 2021 meeting where they hired Smith, prior to going into executive session, did not get recorded.

From Seattle Times

A planned closed-door executive session related to the issue was on the Nov. 7 regular meeting agenda, but was removed at the start of the meeting after McKay’s resignation was announced.

From Seattle Times