db8

Noun

debate (countable and uncountable, plural debates)

1. An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.
   • After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion.
2. An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.
   • The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old.
3. (uncountable) Discussion of opposing views.
   • There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles.
4. A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.
5. (obsolete) Strife, discord.

See all 9 meanings of debate