tea party

noun

1

: an afternoon social gathering at which tea is served

2

[from the Boston Tea Party, name applied to the occasion in 1773 when a shipment of tea was thrown into Boston harbor in protest against the tax on imports] : an exciting disturbance or proceeding

3

usually Tea Party : a 21st century U.S. political movement in favor of lower taxes, fewer government regulations and programs, strict immigration control, and a strong military

"Tea Party" has become something of a catch-all term to describe an impassioned and empowered group of populist conservatives. They are largely antigovernment, a lot of them are self-described libertarians, and many say they are new to political activism. It is easy to think of them as a singular entity and a growing one.

—Mark Leibovich

Conservative activists started holding "Tea Party" protests in 2009 to vent outrage over federal stimulus spending, the Wall Street bailout and rising national debt. The movement quickly had an electoral impact, culminating in the 2010 midterm elections when the GOP captured the House.

—Martha T. Moore

Examples of tea party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Determined to spy her way out of Gilead, Daisy uses the tea party as a chance to snoop around Commander MacKenzie’s study. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

While attending a tea party at the Mackenzie home, Daisy slips away on a quiet fact-finding mission, making her way into Commander Mackenzie's private study. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Not your typical tea party nibble. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

This set of four scalloped plates is a great dainty addition to your tea party scene. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tea party

• astarte
• mccarty
• nonparty
• arty
• carty
• hearty
• parti
• counterparty
• multiparty