noun
cabinet
A group of senior government officials who head departments and advise the government leader.
The prime minister meets her cabinet to discuss the proposed reforms.
Etymology
The French word names a small private room. A ruler’s confidential advisers met in such a setting, and the room’s name passed to the group of senior advisers itself.
More examples
- Two cabinet members resigned after the dispute.
- The president appointed a new cabinet.
- The decision divided the cabinet over spending priorities.
Forms
cabinet · cabinets
Similar words
- committee
- Any appointed working group, while a cabinet consists of senior executive officials.