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

The 2028 Games have been designated a National Special Security Event, placing it in the same category as major party political conventions and Super Bowls.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 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

"We are sorry that we have lost 2% of our branch chairs, some of whom failed vetting. But we're the only major party that does this sort of vetting."

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2025

Into the summer, Kennedy continued to insist that the American people would eventually turn to him and away from the major party candidates.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2024

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

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi