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

Paxton, by contrast, has spent no more than $20,000 on ads in any week of the general election thus far.

From Salon ● Aug. 22, 2026

Ultimately, the June primary resulted in the same outcome Californians have seen since the top-two primary was approved — a gubernatorial general election contest between a Democrat and a Republican.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

Flanagan now advances to a general election matchup against Michele Tafoya, a former professional sports sideline reporter.

From Slate ● Aug. 15, 2026

The turnout was about 14% lower than it was in the 2024 general election in the constituency but about average for recent Westminster by-elections.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

In the white general election of May 1987, the Nationalists won an overwhelming majority.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela