tea party

noun

1. a social gathering, usually in the afternoon, at which tea and light refreshments are served.

2. (initial capital letters),  a conservative political movement in the U.S. that opposes taxes and government spending: named in reference to the Boston Tea Party of 1773.

Tea Party

¹

noun

1. (in the US) a political movement, associated with the right wing of the Republican Party, favouring reduction in taxation and government spending

tea party

²

noun

1. a social gathering in the afternoon at which tea is served

Word History and Origins

Origin of tea party¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Word History and Origins

Origin of tea party¹

C21: after the _{Boston Tea Party}

Example Sentences

Once the press gets wind that Mary’s marriage has ended, the gossip is relentless, and the one-time belle of the ball can’t rustle up so much as a small tea party.

From Salon

Their aggressive tactics and commitment to reshaping the party have led to comparisons to the conservative tea party movement.

From Los Angeles Times

To celebrate her latest album release, Kali Uchis hosted a tea party in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

In the afternoon, the Royal British Legion hosted a tea party with veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England.

From BBC

They were heading for a tea party held in their honour, with the King and Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales hearing first hand stories that will soon slip into history.

From BBC