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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The union committed more than $2 million to independent expenditure groups supporting Bass’ candidacy in 2022, paying for television ads that ran in advance of the general election. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 With less than three months before the general election where El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers, the Democratic Party is under pressure to close ranks in a race that will help determine control of the Senate. — Jacqueline Ganun, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Republican Ken Paxton held his first tour of the general election in Allen on Tuesday to discuss his four-point plan to put money back in Texans’ pockets. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026 Pitfalls Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson comes out for the first rally of his general election campaign at Meadows at Mossy Creek in Cleveland last month. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 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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