committee

[ kuh-mit-ee ]

noun

1. a person or group of persons elected or appointed to perform some service or function, as to investigate, report on, or act upon a particular matter.
2. standing committee.
3. Law. an individual to whom the care of a person or a person's estate is committed.

committee

noun

1. kəˈmɪtɪ a group of people chosen or appointed to perform a specified service or function
2. ˌkɒmɪˈtiː (formerly) a person to whom the care of a mentally incompetent person or his property was entrusted by a court See also receiver

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• com·mittee·ism com·mittee·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of committee¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French; commit, -ee

Word History and Origins

Origin of committee¹

C15: from committen to entrust + -ee

Example Sentences

Under its president, the writer Amin Maalouf, the dictionary committee meets every Thursday morning and after discussion gives its ruling on definitions that have been drawn up in preliminary form by outside experts.

From BBC

The House Ethics Committee was set to release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use on Friday, but President-elect Donald Trump's selection of the Florida Republican to be attorney general abruptly deprived the panel of its jurisdiction.

From Salon

According to that official, Gaetz repeatedly offered combative replies to the committee's questions, delaying the investigation for months.

From Salon

The Justice Department closed its investigation last year without filing charges against Gaetz; the Ethics Committee then opened its own inquiry.

From Salon

The House Ethics Committee had also investigated the accusations against Gaetz and was due to release its findings this week.

From Salon

Related Words

• board
• bureau
• cabinet
• chamber
• commission
• jury
• panel
• task force