noun

caucus

KAW-kuhs

noun

A meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates or decide on policy.

"Iowa holds one of the earliest caucuses in the U.S. presidential race."

A group of legislators or members united by a shared party or interest.

"The bipartisan climate caucus introduced a new bill on emissions."

verb

To meet and discuss as part of a caucus.

"Party members caucused late into the night before the vote."

How to Use Caucus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA meeting of a political group, or the group itself, formed to decide on candidates or policy.

Common pairings

hold a caucus party caucus caucus for a candidate

caucused past tense, caucussed past tense, caucuses plural, caucusses plural, caucuses singular, caucusses singular

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Iowa holds one of the earliest _____ in the U.S. presidential race.

Origin uncertain — possibly from an Algonquian word for "counselor" or "elder," or from the Caucus Club of 1760s Boston.