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

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

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

"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

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

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi