noun

congressman

KAHNG-gruhs-muhn/ˈkɑːŋɡrəsmən/

A male member of a legislative congress, especially the U.S. House of Representatives.

The congressman speaks during a committee meeting in the House of Representatives.

Male House representative speaks in committee.

Etymology

conLatintogether

+gressLatinto walk, step

+manEnglishmale person

The stepping-together image developed into a meeting of delegates; adding man identifies a male member. Although technically applicable to either chamber of Congress, the word typically means a House member.

In context

Rep. Jamie Raskin0:08

joining me now is congressman Jamie Raskin who serves on the House Judiciary Committee

CNN - Raskin Discusses White House Stonewalling, Blocking Witness Testimony

More examples

She writes to her congressman about the proposed tax increase.
Two congressmen introduce a bill to protect drinking water.
The congressman's office helps residents apply for federal assistance.

Forms

congressman · congressmen

Similar words

representative: Can refer to any gender and to nonlegislative roles.
legislator: Includes lawmakers of any gender in any legislative body.