What does it mean to adjourn in a parliamentary setting?

In a parliamentary setting, to adjourn means to close the meeting. This term indicates that the assembly's discussions and business have been completed for the time being, and the meeting is formally concluded. When a motion to adjourn is made and approved, all current matters are set aside, and the meeting cannot continue until it is called again at a later time.

This clear demarcation is vital as it helps maintain the order and structure of meetings, allowing participants to know when discussions have ended. The ability to formally adjourn also separates the business conducted during the meeting from any future meetings or discussions.

The other options represent actions that do not align with the standard definition of adjourning a meeting. For instance, reopening a meeting would require a new call or motion, while postponing refers to delaying a specific item of business to be addressed later rather than closing the entire meeting. Similarly, changing the meeting location does not conclude the meeting itself but rather involves logistical adjustments to where discussions will take place.