Caucus Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔːkəs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A meeting of members of a political party or group to discuss and decide on policy or candidates, often with the purpose of nominating or endorsing a candidate for office.

Examples

• The Democratic caucus met to discuss the party’s platform.
• The Republican caucus endorsed the incumbent senator for re-election.

Synonyms

• Conference
• Meeting

Antonyms

Additional Information

Caucuses are an essential part of the political process in many countries, allowing members of a party to come together and make collective decisions on important issues. They can be formal or informal, and may involve votes, discussions, or other forms of decision-making. In the United States, caucuses are often held at the state or local level to select delegates to national conventions.

Caucuses can also refer to informal groups of lawmakers who share common interests or goals, such as the Congressional Black Caucus or the Republican Study Committee. These groups often work together to advance specific policy agendas or legislative priorities.

Etymology

The word “caucus” originated in the 18th century from the Algonquian language, specifically from the Massachusetts tribe. It referred to a meeting of Native American tribal leaders or elders. The term was adopted by American colonists and eventually became a standard term in politics.

Usage Notes

Caucus is often used in political contexts to refer to formal meetings or gatherings of party members. It can also be used more broadly to describe informal groups of people with shared interests or goals.

Cultural References

The term “caucus” has appeared in popular culture, such as in films and television shows about politics, like “The West Wing” or “House of Cards”. It has also been referenced in literature, including in works by authors like Robert Penn Warren and Gore Vidal.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Convention
• Debate

Collocations

• caucus meeting
• party caucus
• congressional caucus

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use of the word “caucus” varies depending on the context, but it is commonly used in political reporting and discussion, particularly during election seasons.

Common Misspellings

• Caucas
• Caucass
• Caucuses (plural)