minor party

noun

: a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances

Examples of minor party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
North Carolina North Carolina has seen a little more than 1 million ballots cast, 35.3% of which were Democratic, 33.25% were Republican, and 31.5% were none or a minor party. Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Oct. 2024 Our doors are open to Democrats, unaffiliated voters, and those affiliated with minor parties who share our values. Brita Horn, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025 The remaining 33% registered with minor parties or had no party affiliation. Stephen C. Phillips, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 More minor parties that may not pass the 5% threshold to enter parliament include the pro-EU reformist REPER party and the liberal-conservative Force of the Right. Stephen McGrath, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for minor party

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minor party was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Minor party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20party. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

minor party

noun
: a political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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