minor party

noun

1. a political party with so little electoral strength that its chance of gaining control of the government is slight.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor party¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

That was the official line, though one man later confessed he was a minor party functionary and was sacked.

From The Daily Beast

“More Minor Party and Independent Legislators Elected in 2012 Than in Any Year Since 1942,” at Ballot Access News.

From The Daily Beast

Since Democrats had been rendered to minor-party status, disagreements were papered over.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• mediator