✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

party line

noun

1
: the policy or practice of a political party
2
: a single telephone circuit connecting two or more subscribers with the exchange

called also party wire

3
: the principles or policies of an individual or organization
also : the explanation or interpretation usually put forth
… the party line that her mother was a saint … Leslie Bennetts
party-liner noun

Examples of party line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many of the president's recent actions involving the military have caused controversy, largely along party lines. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025 Everyone must stick to the party line. NPR, 22 Nov. 2025 Dozens of states took sides in Schwalb's lawsuit, with their support falling along party lines. Arkansas Online, 21 Nov. 2025 Atwater believes the desire—and need—for affordability transcends party lines. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for party line

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of party line was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Party line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/party%20line. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on party line

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!