general election

noun

: an election usually held at regular intervals in which candidates are elected in all or most constituencies of a nation or state

Examples of general election 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.
The top four finishers in the primary will advance to the general election. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 Toney lost to Kaul in the general election by about 35,000 votes. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025 His 2024 campaign, which included a tough primary fight between two prominent Democrats and a general election challenge from Republican Steve Garvey, spent $61 million. Kate Wolffe october 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2025 Ohio’s primary is set for May 5, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 3, 2026. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for general election

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of general election was in 1640

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Cite this Entry

“General election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general%20election. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

general election

noun
: an election usually held at regular intervals in which candidates are elected in all or most constituencies of a nation or state

More from Merriam-Webster on general election

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