Answer:

congresses

Answer	Crossword Clue
CONGRESSES	Formal get-togethers
CONGRESSES	Political assemblies
CONGRESSES	U. S. has had eighty-one thus far.

CONGRESSES	Assemblies
CONGRESSES	Party places?
CONGRESSES	Meetings of delegates

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.