general election

noun

: an election usually held at regular intervals in which candidates are elected in all or most constituencies of a nation or state

Examples of general election in a Sentence

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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.
Instead, the four candidates with the most votes move forward to the general election. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 3 July 2026 In the 2024 general election, county voter turnout was 76%. — Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026 Whoever wins that primary heads into the November general election as the heavy favorite. — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 As Moyn notes, the vast majority of our general elections are uncompetitive; for the most part, parties win seats simply by not being the other party. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for general election

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of general election was in 1640

Rhymes for general election

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Browse Nearby Words

general education
general election
general endorsement
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Cite this Entry

“General election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general%20election. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

general election

noun
: an election usually held at regular intervals in which candidates are elected in all or most constituencies of a nation or state

More from Merriam-Webster on general election

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about general election

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