noun
Uncommon
caucus
KAW-kuhs
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.”
noun
1
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."
2
A group of legislators or members united by a shared party or interest.
"The bipartisan climate caucus introduced a new bill on emissions."
verb
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- caucuses, caucusses
- Third person singular
- caucuses, caucusses
- Past tense
- caucused, caucussed
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.
