major party

noun

: a political party having electoral strength sufficient to permit it to win control of a government usually with comparative regularity and when defeated to constitute the principal opposition to the party in power

Examples of major party 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.
Here’s what to know about the controversial welfare bill that has prompted politicians across all major parties to speak out. Callum Sutherland, Time, 2 July 2025 Discussion about both major parties’ strategies for the 2026 and 2028 elections began swiftly after the 2024 elections, and President Trump’s dramatic second clinching of the presidency, following much controversy in the years prior. Tara Suter, The Hill, 29 May 2025 Though Polish presidential candidates technically stand as individuals, rather than representatives of a party, there is little hiding their affiliations and each major party historicallyendorses and campaigns for a candidate. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 For example, a candidate would need to completely abandon a minor party nomination before the person could file to run in a major party primary. Tyler Kirby, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for major party

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of major party was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Major party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/major%20party. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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