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.
Not surprisingly, there's a major split along party lines. Debbie Elliott, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025 The Senate confirmed Nachmanoff 52-46 in October 2021 largely on a party line vote, with three Republicans joining Democrats then in the majority to approve him. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 The budget stalemate has intensified as Democrats feel betrayed by earlier spending cuts that Republicans passed on party lines. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 23 Sep. 2025 In Missouri, the divide was along party lines, with all six Republican representatives voting in favor of the ceremonial measure. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Party line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/party%20line. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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