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general election

American  

noun

  1. U.S. Politics.

    1. a regularly scheduled local, state, or national election in which voters elect officeholders.

    2. a state or national election, as opposed to a local election.

  2. British. an election, which must be held at any time within five years of the last election, in which constituents elect members of the House of Commons.


general election British  

noun

  1. an election in which representatives are chosen in all constituencies of a state

  2. a final election from which successful candidates are sent to a legislative body Compare primary

  3. (in the US) a national or state election or (in Canada) a federal or provincial election in contrast to a local election

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of general election

An Americanism dating back to 1710–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Reform leader described it as the "single most significant" electoral test ahead of the next general election.

From BBC

More than 2.4 million people registered for the 28 December general election, which observers described as largely peaceful despite delays caused by the late arrival of voting material and problems with the electoral register.

From BBC

Labour's manifesto for the 2024 general election said: "Labour will introduce a 'Hillsborough Law' which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities".

From BBC

The issue took centre stage during the territory's general election in the same year.

From BBC

The findings also point to the Cabinet Office developing a more "cost effective" structure for government, which "maintains robust lines of accountability", as something to be considered after the 2026 House of Keys general election.

From BBC