major party

American  

noun

1. a political party with enough electoral strength to periodically gain control of the government or to effectively oppose the party in power.

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Etymology

Origin of major party

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

major party

One reason, Tillin says, is the rise of "competitive welfarism": almost every major party now offers some version of cash transfers, subsidies or free services, often trying to outbid rivals during campaigns.

From BBC ● May 11, 2026

It is also one of the first times in recent British political history that neither major party has finished in the top two of such a vote.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026

Though Harris’ presidential bid was historic, becoming the first Black woman to be nominated by a major party, she ultimately failed to be elected as the country’s top executive.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2025

The program has a long tradition of presenting a lengthy interview with the major party presidential candidates in the weeks before the November election.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2024

What’s more, he had achieved this near-victory without the support of a major party.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson