1 quorum | Definition of quorum
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

quorum

noun
quo·​rum | \ ˈkwȯr-əm How to pronounce quorum (audio) \

Definition of quorum

1 : a select group
2 : the number (such as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business
3 : a Mormon body comprising those in the same grade of priesthood
Quorum Has a Legal History Example Sentences Learn More about quorum

Keep scrolling for more

Quorum Has a Legal History

In Latin, quorum means "of whom" and is itself the genitive plural of qui, meaning "who." At one time, Latin quorum was used in the wording of the commissions issued to justices of the peace in England. In English, quorum initially referred to the number of justices of the peace who had to be present to constitute a legally sufficient bench. That sense is now rare, but it's not surprising that quorum has come to mean both "a select group" and "the minimum people required in order to conduct business."

Examples of quorum in a Sentence

We need five people to make a quorum.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Recalling the entire board is one possibility, which normally requires approval of a majority of a quorum of the members. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "HOA Homefront: Recalling board member or entire board," 17 Aug. 2019 With Petersen’s departure, only three commissioners will remain at the FEC, while a quorum of four is required to vote. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, "Federal Election Commission hamstrung as 2020 campaign heats, after resignation of another member," 14 Aug. 2019 No position could be taken by the advisory board as there was not a quorum of members at the meeting. — Steve Dreyer, Pomerado News, "Dog park fans want more grass, city not interested," 24 July 2019 In a technical session, no formal business is performed, and a quorum of 21 members is not required. — Anchorage Daily News, "‘We’re 22 strong:’ Legislators in Wasilla say they’re not going anywhere, casting further doubt on any veto overrides," 9 July 2019 Fox News Twelve Oregon Republican lawmakers are on the run from the law, having fled the state Senate in Salem on Thursday to deny quorum for a vote on a major climate change bill. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Oregon Republicans are on the lam to avoid voting on a major climate change bill," 21 June 2019 Democratic legislators fled to Illinois to deny Republicans a quorum to pass the reforms. — Allysia Finley, WSJ, "Scott Walker’s Toughest Campaign," 26 Oct. 2018 The settlement required the city to pay $60,000 in attorney fees, to declare a June 15 council meeting as a special meeting, and to acknowledge that a quorum of council members had not been present. . — Lex Talamo, The Seattle Times, "The mayor of Wapato wanted another term. She got 30 votes — and then a piece of the fed-up residents’ minds.," 10 Aug. 2019 Although a quorum of the board, a public agency, was present on the inspection, the board said the inspection was not a public meeting because the board members and parties would not discuss the case while on the inspection. — Tom Loftus, The Courier-Journal, "Property tax appeals board gets a better look at Gov. Matt Bevin's mansion this time," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quorum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of quorum

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for quorum

Middle English, quorum of justices of the peace, from Latin, of whom, genitive plural of qui who; from the wording of the commission formerly issued to justices of the peace

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for quorum

quorum

noun

Financial Definition of quorum

What It Is

A quorum is the minimum number of directors required to conduct a board meeting. Usually is a quorum is a majority.

How It Works

Let's assume Company XYZ has 10 board members. Its bylaws state that at least six board members must attend each board meeting for the board to conduct business.

A vacancy on the board does not change the number of directors needed for quorum.

Why It Matters

In order to conduct business, a board must have a quorum. This ensures the shareholders' interests are adequately represented.

Source: Investing Answers

quorum

noun
How to pronounce quorum (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of quorum

: the smallest number of people who must be present at a meeting in order for decisions to be made

See the full definition for quorum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

quorum

noun
quo·​rum | \ ˈkwȯr-əm How to pronounce quorum (audio) \

Kids Definition of quorum

: the smallest number of people who must be present at a meeting in order for business to be carried on

Keep scrolling for more

quorum

noun
quo·​rum | \ ˈkwōr-əm How to pronounce quorum (audio) \

Legal Definition of quorum

: the number (as a majority) of members or officers that must be present to conduct business lacked a quorum at the meeting of shareholders

History and Etymology for quorum

Middle English, a select number of English justices of the peace formerly required to be present at sessions to constitute a lawful bench, from Latin, of whom, genitive plural of qui who; from the wording of the commission once issued to justices of the peace in England

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on quorum

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with quorum

Spanish Central: Translation of quorum

Nglish: Translation of quorum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of quorum for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!