tea party

American  

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.

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Tea Party ¹ British  

noun

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

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tea party ² British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of tea party

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

A yellow and white dress, for instance, feels full of movement, fit equally for a tea party or a dance.

From Los Angeles Times

Ostensibly, this was simply a tea party; in reality, it brought together like-minded souls who had known one another since the prewar era.

From The Wall Street Journal

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