general election

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of general election¹

An Americanism dating back to 1710–20

Example Sentences

Paxton is popular with the party’s base, but national GOP strategists fear his nomination could cost them in a general election.

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His move into advisory roles comes after he became Prime Minister in the fall of 2022—until his Conservative Party lost a general election to the Labour Party last year.

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It sees Nigel Farage's party as its main competitor, rather than Labour, reflecting how they feel the UK political climate has changed since the last general election.

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But Sliwa believes he has one more thing in his favor: a confusing general election ballot.

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They were crushed in a general election and have gone backwards since.

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