majority leader

American  

noun

1. the leader of the majority party in a legislative body, especially the party member who directs the activities of the majority party on the floor of either the Senate or the House of Representatives.

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majority leader Cultural  

1. The leader of the party that holds a majority of seats in either house of Congress or of a state legislature. Selected by their own party caucus es, majority leaders act as chief spokespersons and strategists for their parties. In the House of Representatives, the majority leader is second in command of his party, after the Speaker of the House. (See also minority leader.)

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Etymology

Origin of majority leader

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

He’s been the majority whip and very nearly became the majority leader in 2024, losing only to Sen. John Thune of South Dakota by 5 votes.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Mr. Cantor, a Republican, represented Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, 2001-14, and served as House majority leader, 2011-14.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former majority leader in the upper chamber of Congress, told reporters that a US takeover of the territory would "shatter the trust of allies".

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

Romero served in the state Senate and Assembly for about 12 years, including three as the state Senate’s first female majority leader.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Trent Lott, the majority leader of the U.S.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt