ETYM Latin congressus, from congredi, p. p. -gressus, to go or come together; con- + grati to go or step, gradus step: cf. French congrčs. Related to Grade.
National legislature of the US, consisting of the House of Representatives (435 members, apportioned to the states of the Union on the basis of population, and elected for two-year terms) and the Senate (100 senators, two for each state, elected for six years, one-third elected every two years). Both representatives and senators are elected by direct popular vote. Congress meets in Washington, DC, in the Capitol Building. An act of Congress is a bill passed by both houses.
The Congress of the United States met for the first time on 4 March 1789. It was preceded by the Congress of the Confederation representing the several states under the Articles of Confederation from 1781 to 1789.
1. A meeting of elected or appointed representatives.
2. A national legislative assembly.

1. The legislature of the US government; Also called: United States Congress.
2. Village in Ohio (USA).