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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of general election

An Americanism dating back to 1710–20

Example Sentences

The top two vote-getters -- regardless of party -- advance to the November general election to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

What questions do you have about the California primaries–the candidates, the process and what the results will mean for the general election in November?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Had that not happened, Murphy would have made it to the general election without having to defend his spot on the ballot.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

The proposals are being reviewed by the City Council, among other changes to city government, and could go before voters in the Nov. 3 general election.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

We visited Butte, Montana, on the Fourth of July, which happened to be Malia’s tenth birthday and about four months ahead of the general election.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama