general election

noun

1. U.S. Politics.
   1. a regularly scheduled local, state, or national election in which voters elect officeholders. Compare primary ( def 15 ).
   2. a state or national election, as opposed to a local election.
2. British. an election, which must be held at any time within five years of the last election, in which constituents elect members of the House of Commons.

general election

noun

1. an election in which representatives are chosen in all constituencies of a state
2. a final election from which successful candidates are sent to a legislative body Compare primary
3. (in the US) a national or state election or (in Canada) a federal or provincial election in contrast to a local election

Word History and Origins

Origin of general election¹

An Americanism dating back to 1710–20

Example Sentences

Following the general election in July, the Labour government made a number of appointments which raised eyebrows.

From BBC

The number of hotels being used to house asylum seekers has risen by seven since the general election, the government has disclosed.

From BBC

However, the party failed to build on its vote share and in the general election earlier this year, it stood four candidates and won just 1,275 votes.

From BBC

Germany’s coalition government fell apart earlier this month, and a general election is now set for 23 February, with a confidence vote before that on 16 December.

From BBC

The government is preparing to face the biggest protest yet over its domestic policy agenda since Labour won the general election.

From BBC