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

See Examples For:

general election

A Labour spokesperson said Phillipson, who is also minister for women and equalities, will work closely with deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell to modernise the party ready for the next general election.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

As leader of parliament's largest party he automatically became prime minister without having to call a new general election.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

Both men took over from beleaguered premiers without a general election and must, as you say, “earn a mandate by delivering results.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

He was favoured by the leadership for his intellect and presentational skills, and as campaign co-ordinator he played a central role in delivering Labour's 2001 general election victory.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Senate race and was locked in what would become a tight race in the general election.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama