popular front

American

noun

a coalition, usually temporary, of leftist and sometimes centrist political parties, formed against a common opponent, as fascism, and promoting social reform.
any similar political coalition formed to achieve short-term goals.

popular front British

noun

(often capital) any of the left-wing groups or parties that were organized from 1935 onwards to oppose the spread of fascism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of popular front

1935–40; compare Spanish frente popular, French front populaire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Voice cloning is another popular front in AI music production.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2023

The uneven strains of popular front pluralism and idealized communalism that run through midcentury liberalism are reflected in the musical’s songs “Gee Officer Krupke!” and “Somewhere.”

From Slate • Dec. 13, 2021

Somoza’s corruption and violence had alienated even Nicaragua’s business classes, and a broad popular front implemented a mixed economy promoting popular organization, land reform and the socialization of basic services.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 9, 2021

By traditional measures, Facebook’s “trending” section could be considered the most popular front page on the internet.

From The Guardian • May 10, 2016

Mr. McCreery, 17, was a popular front runner for the “Idol” crown.

From New York Times • May 25, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023