plenary

[ plee-nuh-ree, plen-uh- ]

adjective

1. full; complete; entire; absolute; unqualified:

   plenary powers.

2. attended by all qualified members; fully constituted:

   a plenary session of Congress.

noun

, plural ple·na·ries.

1. a plenary session, meeting, or the like.

plenary

/ ˈplɛn-; ˈpliːnərɪ /

adjective

1. full, unqualified, or complete

   plenary indulgence

   plenary powers

2. (of assemblies, councils, etc) attended by all the members

noun

1. a book of the gospels or epistles and homilies read at the Eucharist

Derived Forms

• ˈplenarily, adverb

Other Words From

• plena·ri·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenary¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; from Late Latin plēnārius ( plenum, -ary ); replacing late Middle English plener, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin plēnāris ( -ar ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenary¹

C15: from Late Latin plēnārius, from Latin plēnus full; related to Middle English plener; see plenum

Example Sentences

Environments designed by the Miami-based start-up’s team of coders and trained architects include a gold-toned plenary hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and a suite of lobbies to foster chance encounters among participants.

From Quartz

He had chosen his plenary to break the news to the unsuspecting audience, me included.

From Nautilus

“More than 300 member organizations worldwide participated in the voting process, workshops, plenary sessions, regional and board meetings during the 8-day virtual event,” the statement notes.

From Washington Blade

The opening plenary brought a diverse group of leaders together to discuss the theme “Mobilizing for Impact.”

From The Daily Beast

The hottest debate in Davos on Thursday will come from a series of plenary sessions on Europe.

From The Daily Beast

A plenary session features a keynote address on “unleashing creativity” from the founder of a promotions site called ePrize.

From The Daily Beast

Your arm was stout enough in old days, and I give you plenary authority to use it as you see fit.

From Project Gutenberg

He also conceded a plenary indulgence to all who have made such visits three times in three distinct days.

From Project Gutenberg

I, on my part, will listen to your lover's confessions and give you plenary absolution—even for listening at keyholes.

From Project Gutenberg

It was called Great Friday, and on that day such as entered the sanctuary of Anis received plenary indulgence.

From Project Gutenberg

One would suppose that she had plenary indulgences for her conduct.

From Project Gutenberg