A congress is a formal meeting where people gather to discuss important matters, make decisions, or share knowledge.

When scientists from around the world meet to share their latest discoveries about climate or medicine, they might attend an international congress. Professional groups hold congresses to discuss challenges in their field and learn from each other's work.

In the United States, Congress (with a capital C) refers specifically to the national legislature, the branch of government that makes federal laws. It consists of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of Congress debate proposed laws, investigate problems facing the country, approve the federal budget, and represent the interests of people in their states or districts. When you hear news about “Congress passing a bill” or “Congress debating a new law,” it means these elected representatives are doing their job of creating the rules that govern the nation.

The word can also appear in the phrase congressional, meaning related to Congress. A congressional hearing is when Congress investigates an issue by asking experts and officials questions. Members of Congress are sometimes called congressmen or congresswomen, though many prefer the term member of Congress or simply representative or senator, depending on which part of Congress they serve in.