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 dictator opened a major party congress with a weapons display and a declaration of optimism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 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

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

“It is symbolic and important that it’s something that no serious presidential candidate with a major party who got the nomination has been saying before,” Bender said in a phone interview.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 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