major party

noun

1. a political party with enough electoral strength to periodically gain control of the government or to effectively oppose the party in power.

Word History and Origins

Origin of major party¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Filler-Corn’s office said the short-year sessions have been extended by about two weeks for at least the past 50 years, under both major parties.

From Washington Post

The group was chosen from 62 nominees put forward by leaders from both major parties in the state Senate and House of Delegates.

From Washington Post

Both of those parties were run over by left-wing and right-wing voters, returning to the major parties after being unsatisfied with their 2016 choices.

From Washington Post

We can enjoy the delicious irony that the 2024 contenders have now enabled the person who will block their presidential ambitions, but that is small consolation when so many members of a major party disavow reality and democracy.

From Washington Post

More registered Democrats voted early than Republicans, but one-third of the electorate is unaffiliated with either major party.

From Fortune

And when BET Weekend came to Atlanta two months ago, Brinsley thought he could become a major party promoter.

From The Daily Beast

The second-place major party candidate would get the remainder.

From The Daily Beast

Independents continue to poll higher than either major party.

From The Daily Beast

In a watershed moment, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to appear on a major party ticket.

From The Daily Beast

Rand Paul recognizes that he cannot win a major-party presidential nomination if he is perceived as tainted by racism.

From The Daily Beast