Phrases
the GOP
: the Republican Party of the U.S.
longtime members of the GOP
often used before another noun
a GOP governor
attending the GOP convention

Note: GOP was originally an abbreviation of "Grand Old Party."

Examples of GOP 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.
But fiscal hawks, who have leverage due to the GOP’s two-seat majority, have already threatened to oppose any bill that lacks the funding. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Jan. 2026 Jennifer Nassour is the co-founder of the Pocketbook Project, host of the Political Contessa Podcast, and former Chair of the Massachusetts GOP. Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 Moody does not have any high-profile challengers on the GOP side, and whoever wins the Democratic primary have a difficult path to victory with Democrats’ growing voter registration disadvantage and inability to win a statewide race in the past seven years. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 Because of the razor-thin Republican majority in the House, GOP leaders have urged Republicans to be at the Capitol to vote on bills. Jack Fink, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 Hancock is now seeking the GOP nomination to the office. Philip Jankowski, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 As things stand, Senate GOP leadership doesn’t plan to uncouple the DHS bill from the other five government funding bills, which have wide support. Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026 Two of Iowa’s four congressional districts remain competitive, making the state crucial to Republicans’ midterm strategy despite recent GOP dominance. Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Criticism has grown from congressional Republicans over the Pretti shooting and Minnesota ICE operation, with more than two dozen GOP lawmakers calling for a thorough investigation. Rachel Scott, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of GOP was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“GOP.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GOP. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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