caucus
3 synonyms for caucus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates or decide on policy.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
party meeting
How to use caucus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hold a caucus
party caucus
caucus for a candidate
Etymology
Origin uncertain — possibly from an Algonquian word for "counselor" or "elder," or from the Caucus Club of 1760s Boston.
Full origin of caucus →Frequently asked questions
What does “caucus” mean?
The word “caucus” means a meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates or decide on policy. In plain terms, a meeting of a political group, or the group itself, formed to decide on candidates or policy.
How do you pronounce “caucus”?
“Caucus” is pronounced KAW-kuhs (/ˈkɔ(ː).kəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “caucus” in a sentence?
Here is “caucus” used in a sentence: “Iowa holds one of the earliest caucuses in the U.S. presidential race.”
What part of speech is “caucus”?
Depending on how it is used, “caucus” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “caucus” come from?
The word “caucus” dates back to around 1760. Origin uncertain — possibly from an Algonquian word for "counselor" or "elder," or from the Caucus Club of 1760s Boston.
Is “caucus” a common word?
“Caucus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “caucus” have?
“Caucus” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates or decide on policy.
What is the difference between a caucus and a primary?
A caucus is a meeting of members of a political party who gather in person to choose candidates or decide on policy, while a primary is typically a direct vote conducted by secret ballot, often over an extended voting period. Caucuses involve discussion and open decision-making, whereas primaries resemble standard elections.
What does it mean when legislators form a caucus?
When legislators form a caucus, they create a group of members united by a shared party affiliation or common interest, allowing them to coordinate strategy or advocate for specific issues together.
Can caucus be used as a verb?
Yes, caucus can be used as a verb meaning to meet and discuss as part of a caucus, as in politicians who caucus before a vote.
