major party

American  

noun

1. a political party with enough electoral strength to periodically gain control of the government or to effectively oppose the party in power.

---

Etymology

Origin of major party

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

major party

Since every major party presidential candidate had voluntarily released their tax returns over the past four decades, it was assumed he would follow suit.

From Salon ● May 25, 2026

One reason, Tillin says, is the rise of "competitive welfarism": almost every major party now offers some version of cash transfers, subsidies or free services, often trying to outbid rivals during campaigns.

From BBC ● May 11, 2026

The 2028 Games have been designated a National Special Security Event, placing it in the same category as major party political conventions and Super Bowls.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

The dictator opened a major party congress with a weapons display and a declaration of optimism.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 13, 2026

What’s more, he had achieved this near-victory without the support of a major party.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson