Origin: Latin suffix -sion
Session has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
a meeting for execution of a group's functions
"it was the opening session of the legislature"
the time during which a school holds classes
"they had to shorten the school term"
A period devoted to a particular activity, e.g. the annual or semiannual periods of a legislative body (that together comprise the legislative term) whose individual meetings are also called sessions.
"The senator was absent for most of the spring session due to family obligations."
In plain English: A session is a specific period of time when you are doing one particular activity with someone else.
"We held our weekly meeting to discuss the project during the afternoon session."
To hold or participate in a jam session with other musicians.
"We spent the whole evening playing an energetic jazz session together after work."
In plain English: To session is to hold a meeting or practice for a specific amount of time.
"The manager will session all new hires to ensure they meet safety standards."
Usage: Use this verb form specifically to describe holding an informal musical gathering where participants improvise together, such as at a jazz club. It is often paired with the noun phrase "jam session," so avoid using it for formal rehearsals or structured lessons that lack improvisation.
A surname.
"The famous jazz musician named Session played a memorable solo at last night's concert."
The word entered English via the Old French session and originally referred to a formal gathering or meeting. It derives from the Latin verb sedeō, which simply means "to sit."