[count] 1 a : a group of people who answer questions, give advice or opinions about something, or take part in a discussion for an audience ▪ The university is hosting a panel on free speech. ▪ Tonight's show features a panel of famous chefs. ▪ Three of the members on the panel are doctors. ▪ a panel discussion on (the topic of) education b : a group of people with special knowledge, skill, or experience who give advice or make decisions ▪ The advisory panel has recommended that the drug be approved. ▪ A panel of judges selected the book for this year's award. c US : a group of people who are chosen to be jurors : jury —called also jury panel
2 a : one of the flat pieces that make up a door, wall, or ceiling ▪ The room was visible through the door's glass panel. ▪ One of the ceiling panels needs to be replaced. b : a piece of cloth that makes up part of something sewn together ▪ Each of the skirt's five panels is a different color. ▪ Sew the two panels together to form a tablecloth. c : a piece of metal or plastic that forms part of the outside surface of a vehicle ▪ Aside from a dent in one of the side panels the car is in good shape.
3 : a flat surface where the controls of a vehicle, machine, etc., are located ▪ the control panel ▪ The last number you called is listed on the phone's display panel. —see also instrument panel