minority leader

American  

noun

1. the party member who directs the activities of the minority party on the floor of a legislative body, as of the U.S. Congress.

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minority leader Cultural  

1. The leader of the political party that holds a minority of seats in either house of Congress or of a state legislature. Selected by their own party caucus es, minority leaders act as chief spokespersons and strategists for their parties.

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Etymology

Origin of minority leader

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

minority leader

Ralston’s narrative of Reid’s first two years as minority leader, 2005 to 2006, suggests three considerations: attitude, actions, and communications.

From Slate ● May 4, 2026

"Good riddance," said Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer.

From Barron's ● Mar. 5, 2026

The Senate minority leader made clear he thought Mr. Trump’s intervention was wrong.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 5, 2026

The Glasgow Pollok MSP, who replaced Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023, was the UK's first ethnic minority leader of a devolved government and the first Muslim to lead a major UK party.

From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2024

The next speaker is the Hon. George M. Palmer, minority leader of the Assembly.

From Modern Eloquence: Vol III, After-Dinner Speeches P-Z by Various