caucus
Caucus (noun) means a meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates or decide on policy. Example: “Iowa holds one of the earliest caucuses in the U.S. presidential race.”
How to use caucus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA meeting of a political group, or the group itself, formed to decide on candidates or policy.
Word forms
caucused past tense, caucussed past tense, caucuses plural, caucusses plural, caucuses singular, caucusses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Iowa holds one of the earliest _____ in the U.S. presidential race.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — possibly from an Algonquian word for "counselor" or "elder," or from the Caucus Club of 1760s Boston.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for caucus
See all rhymes for 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.