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

She took on the leadership after the party suffered a heavy defeat in the 2024 general election.

From BBC

But many attendees then will have signed up before they knew about that – the general election could have come after it.

From BBC

Since last year's general election, Labour has sought closer trade ties with China to help boost economic growth.

From BBC

Tanzanian police have warned against the use of social media to spread misinformation following a widely shared video of an alleged military officer criticising the government, three weeks ahead of general elections.

From BBC

The Conservative leader believes she needs more time, to turn around her party from its historic drubbing in last year's general election.

From BBC