plural parties
1
: a social event in which entertainment, food, and drinks are provided
We are having/giving/throwing a party.
a high school dance party
Were you invited to her party?
Our New Year's Eve party was a huge success.
a dinner party
a birthday/costume/farewell party
—often used before another nouna party hat/dress
party decorations/games
Get in the party spirit.
I'm not in a party mood.
2
: an organization of people who have similar political beliefs and ideas and who work to have their members elected to positions in the government
political parties with opposing agendas
the Democratic/Republican Party
The senator is loyal to his party.
the ruling party [=the party that is in power]
party members/policy
the party leader
3
law
: a person who is involved in a legal case or contract
the two parties in the marriage contract
the guilty party
The parties in the lawsuit reached a settlement.
4
formal
: someone or something that is involved in an activity
The principal of the school was urged to be a party [=participant] in the educational council.
Interested parties are asked to contact their local representative.
—often + toa party to the international coalition aimed at fighting hunger
He refused to be a party to [=he refused to take part in] the gambling ring.
5
: a group of people who do something together
a mountain-climbing party
a rescue/search party
—often + ofa party of travelers from Great Britain
He made a reservation at the restaurant for a party of four. [=for a group of four people]
A party of teenagers is in charge of the neighborhood cleanup.
parties; partied; partying
informal
: to have a party or be involved in a party : to spend enjoyable time eating, drinking, dancing, etc., with a group of people
He spent the weekend partying with his friends.
We partied all night.
Cite this Entry
“Party.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/party. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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