Session: meaning, definitions and examples

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session

 

[ ˈsɛʃən ]

Context #1 | Noun

computer

A period of time devoted to a particular activity, such as a meeting or a lesson, typically for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

appointment, class, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
session

Used when referring to a period of time dedicated to a particular activity, often formal or guided, such as therapy, study, or practice.

  • The therapist scheduled a therapy session for next week.
  • She attended a study session to prepare for the exam.
meeting

Used to describe an assembly of people, especially in a professional or formal setting, to discuss or decide on matters.

  • There is a team meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning.
  • She attended a board meeting to discuss the new project.
appointment

Used when referring to a scheduled arrangement to meet with someone at a specific time, often formal and for professional or health-related purposes.

  • I have a dentist appointment at 3 PM.
  • She has an appointment with her financial advisor tomorrow.
class

Used when referring to a group of students who meet regularly to be taught a particular subject. Also used to describe the period during which the teaching takes place.

  • He has a math class every Monday and Wednesday.
  • The teacher asked the class to read chapter five.

Examples of usage

  • We had a productive session discussing the new project.
  • The therapy session helped me deal with my anxiety.
  • The training session lasted for two hours.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A meeting of a deliberative or judicial body to conduct its business.

Synonyms

assembly, congress, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
session

Used to refer to a period of time devoted to a particular activity, often in educational or official contexts, such as classes, therapy, or legislative work.

  • She has a guitar session every Saturday.
  • The parliament will reconvene for its next session on Monday.
meeting

A general term used for any gathering of people for discussion, organization, or decision-making, typically in a business or personal context. This term is more casual and versatile.

  • We have a team meeting every Monday morning.
  • She scheduled a meeting with her financial advisor.
assembly

Often used to describe a gathering of people for a specific purpose, typically formal and large, such as school gatherings or legislative bodies.

  • The school holds a morning assembly every day.
  • The national assembly will vote on the new law tomorrow.
congress

Primarily used to refer to a formal meeting or series of meetings of a political body, often a national legislative body in countries like the United States.

  • The bill is being debated in Congress.
  • She attended the international science congress last year.

Examples of usage

  • The court session was scheduled for 10 AM.
  • The parliamentary session lasted for five hours.
Context #3 | Noun

music

A period during which a group of musicians play or sing together.

Synonyms

gig, jam, performance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
session

A session describes a period spent doing a particular activity, commonly used for meetings, classes, or focused work. It suggests an organized, planned, or repeated effort.

  • We have a brainstorming session every Monday morning.
  • The new software training session will be held next week.
jam

Jam, in a musical context, means an informal, improvised session in which musicians play together without specific arrangements or plans. It can also imply a sense of creative spontaneity and collaboration.

  • We had an amazing jam session in the garage last night.
  • Let's get together and jam this weekend.
performance

Performance refers to the act of presenting a form of entertainment, such as music, theater, or dance, to an audience. It is often more formal and structured than a gig or jam.

  • Her performance in the play was outstanding.
  • The orchestra's performance received a standing ovation.
gig

Gig refers to a performance by a musician or group of musicians, often in a casual or semi-professional setting. It can also describe a short-term job or task in other fields, especially when informal. The term can have a fun and informal vibe.

  • The band has a gig at the local club tomorrow night.
  • She found a freelance writing gig online.

Examples of usage

  • The jazz session at the club was fantastic.
  • The recording session went smoothly.

Translations

Translations of the word "session" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sessão

🇮🇳 सत्र

🇩🇪 Sitzung

🇮🇩 sesi

🇺🇦 сесія

🇵🇱 sesja

🇯🇵 セッション

🇫🇷 séance

🇪🇸 sesión

🇹🇷 oturum

🇰🇷 세션

🇸🇦 جلسة

🇨🇿 sezení

🇸🇰 sedenie

🇨🇳 会议

🇸🇮 seja

🇮🇸 fundur

🇰🇿 сессия

🇬🇪 სესია

🇦🇿 sessiya

🇲🇽 sesión

Etymology

The word 'session' originated from the Latin word 'sessio' which means a sitting. It was first recorded in the late 14th century to refer to a meeting of a deliberative body. Over time, the term expanded to include various contexts such as music sessions and therapy sessions. The modern usage of 'session' in computer terminology emerged in the mid-20th century with the development of computing technology.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,609, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.