whistle stop

¹

noun

1. a small, unimportant town, especially one along a railroad line.
2. a short talk from the rear platform of a train, especially during a political campaign.
3. a brief appearance, single performance, or the like, in a small town, as during a political campaign or theatrical tour.

whistle-stop

²

[ hwis-uhl-stop, wis- ]

verb (used without object)

, whis·tle-stopped, whis·tle-stop·ping.

1. to campaign for political office by traveling around the country, originally by train, stopping at small communities to address voters.
2. to take a trip consisting of several brief, usually overnight, stops.

adjective

1. occurring at a whistle stop; consisting of whistle stops:

   a whistle-stop speech; a whistle-stop tour of the Northwest.

whistle stop

noun

1. 1. a minor railway station where trains stop only on signal
   2. a small town having such a station
2. 1. a brief appearance in a town, esp by a political candidate to make a speech, shake hands, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a whistle-stop tour

verb

1. intr to campaign for office by visiting many small towns to give short speeches

Word History and Origins

Origin of whistle stop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Origin of whistle stop²

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

India's president has made a whistle stop tour of an island earmarked for multi-billion dollar development that experts warn could wipe out the indigenous tribe which calls it home.

From BBC

Robertson specialized in portraits of bygone figures and institutions, writing odes to Confederate soldiers, blacksmiths, medicine shows and whistle stops, his tall tales given weight and energy by the heft of the Band.

From Los Angeles Times

The former prime minister, who turns 73 next month, remains a tireless campaigner and has near-daily whistle stops, holding campaign rallies from the back of the Bibibus.

From Seattle Times

“Trump hits campaign trail as Biden hits the skids. The president will build on his RNC success with a 21st century whistle stop tour,” writes David Catronicus, columnist for the American Spectator.

From Washington Times

The video series will make eight virtual “whistle stops” from Aug. 19-26.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• barnstorm
• lobby
• politick
• stump