/ ˈkɒŋgres; NAmE ˈkɑːŋgrəs/ noun [ C +sing./pl. v . ]
1.
a large formal meeting or series of meetings where representatives from different groups discuss ideas, make decisions, etc. :
an international congress of trades unions
2.
Congress (in the US and some other countries) the name of the group of people who are elected to make laws, in the US consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives :
Congress will vote on the proposals tomorrow.
3.
used in the names of political parties in some countries :
the African National Congress
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting an encounter during battle): from Latin congressus , from congredi meet, from con- together + gradi walk.