tea party
noun
1
: an afternoon social gathering at which tea is served
2
[from the Boston Tea Party, name applied to the occasion in 1773 when a shipment of tea was thrown into Boston harbor in protest against the tax on imports]
: an exciting disturbance or proceeding
3
usually Tea Party
: a 21st century U.S. political movement in favor of lower taxes, fewer government regulations and programs, strict immigration control, and a strong military
"Tea Party" has become something of a catch-all term to describe an impassioned and empowered group of populist conservatives. They are largely antigovernment, a lot of them are self-described libertarians, and many say they are new to political activism. It is easy to think of them as a singular entity and a growing one.—
Mark Leibovich
Mark LeibovichConservative activists started holding "Tea Party" protests in 2009 to vent outrage over federal stimulus spending, the Wall Street bailout and rising national debt. The movement quickly had an electoral impact, culminating in the 2010 midterm elections when the GOP captured the House.—Martha T. Moore
Martha T. MooreExamples of tea party in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This Is the Way to Tea Party From setting the table to greeting guests, Cece teaches her friends how to use their best manners while enjoying a tea party.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025
Also on May 5, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, will host a tea party for veterans and members of the World War II generation at Buckingham Palace.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Leon was one of 4,000 entries in a contest for a chance to be flown out to San Francisco to be professionally photographed in the new collection and attend the tea party.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Afternoon tea parties have a rich history among the British aristocracy but are less common in North America.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tea party
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Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025
Also on May 5, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, will host a tea party for veterans and members of the World War II generation at Buckingham Palace.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Leon was one of 4,000 entries in a contest for a chance to be flown out to San Francisco to be professionally photographed in the new collection and attend the tea party.
—Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Afternoon tea parties have a rich history among the British aristocracy but are less common in North America.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tea party
Cite this Entry
“Tea party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tea%20party. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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