party line

noun

Synonyms of party linenext
1
: the policy or practice of a political party
2
: a single telephone circuit connecting two or more subscribers with the exchange

called also party wire

3
: the principles or policies of an individual or organization
also : the explanation or interpretation usually put forth
… the party line that her mother was a saint … —Leslie Bennetts
party-liner
ˌpär-tē-ˈlī-nər How to pronounce party line (audio)
noun

Examples of party line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Koneschusky said el Sayed would be better served by keeping the focus on affordability and other economic concerns that cut across party lines rather than getting drawn into polarizing disputes. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Jones, a former venture capitalist and fellow Democrat, targeted the incumbent for accepting major corporate donations, following the establishment party line and tied Thompson’s congressional record to under‑investment in the district. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The director also tried to cast participants in the film that were across party lines. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Support for tougher rules crosses party lines, with 80% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans backing stricter regulation. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for party line

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of party line was in 1837

Rhymes for party line

See All Rhymes for party line

Browse Nearby Words

party jury
party line
party-liner
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Cite this Entry

“Party line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/party%20line. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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