Meaning & Definition of word "Quorum"

Quorum

/ˈkwɔːrəm/

noun:

  • 1. The minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting to make the proceedings valid.
    • Example: The meeting was postponed because the quorum was not met.
  • 2. The minimum number of representatives needed to conduct business or make decisions in an assembly.
    • Example: In order to pass the new law, a quorum of at least 50 members must be present.
  • 3. An acceptable number or proportion of individuals needed to make a group or system function effectively.
    • Example: The committee requires a quorum to hold a vote on the proposed policy changes.
  • 4. A group consisting of the minimum number of individuals necessary for a meeting's decisions to be valid.
    • Example: During the emergency session, a quorum was quickly established to address the urgent issues.

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'quorum,' meaning 'of whom.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

quorum call:

A call to determine whether a quorum is present.

quorum requirements:

The specific number of members needed for a meeting to be valid.

lack of quorum:

A situation in which the required number of members is not present.

Related Words

attendance:

The presence of members at a meeting.

delegation:

A group of representatives assigned to speak or vote on behalf of others.

conference:

A formal meeting for discussion.

Slang Meanings of quorum

Meaning: In informal contexts, refers to achieving the required number of people to proceed with a plan.

Example Sentence: We finally hit quorum for the party planning committee!

Meaning: Used jokingly to describe a gathering that has just enough members present to be considered legitimate.

Example Sentence: Looks like we have our quorum for game night, let’s start!