Meaning

(law, politics, chiefly US) In legislative assemblies that permit unlimited debate (that is, a filibuster): a motion, procedure or rule by which debate is ended so that a vote may be taken on the matter. For example, in the United States Senate, a three-fifths majority vote of the body is required to invoke cloture and terminate debate..

Definitions by Sense

1. (law, politics, chiefly US) In legislative assemblies that permit unlimited debate (that is, a filibuster): a motion, procedure or rule by which debate is ended so that a vote may be taken on the matter. For example, in the United States Senate, a three-fifths majority vote of the body is required to invoke cloture and terminate debate.
2. To end legislative debate by this means.

Example Sentences

Now, a filibuster typically begins when a Senator or group of Senators signals their intent to filibuster – which can be done by a private conversation with the majority leader or by quietly placing a bill or nomination on hold. Given the modern Senate's scarce floor time, this threat is usually enough to table the disputed issue until the dissenting Senators cave or until there are definitely enough votes to invoke cloture.

Word Forms

• clotures
• clôture
• cloturing
• clotured

Synonyms for cloture

Related Words

When Should You Use Cloture?

Use cloture when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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