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

Since every major party presidential candidate had voluntarily released their tax returns over the past four decades, it was assumed he would follow suit.

From Salon ● May 25, 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

He believes that larger structures would mean a bigger workload and "exclude" independents who are not professional politicians with the backing of a major party.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2025

Soon-Shiong also said that he considered himself a political independent, adding that, despite speculation, his stand is not based on any singular issue or intended to favor either of the major party candidates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024

Or casting a vote for the first female presidential candidate of a major party.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi