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 result is an uneasy stasis in British politics, as Labour lawmakers consider whether they need someone else to lead them into the next general election, which is slated for 2029.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

That has led to instances in which two Democrats or two Republicans have faced off in the general election.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

With Gov. Janet Mills having dropped out of the Maine Senate race last week, the general election between oysterman veteran Graham Platner and Sen. Susan Collins is on.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok opened the session, welcoming lawmakers elected in the April 12 general election, who are set to vote this afternoon to appoint Magyar as head of government.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

The white general election of 1948 matched the ruling United Party, led by General Smuts, then at the height of his international regard, against the revived National Party.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela