PARTY LINE Definition & Meaning

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party line

[pahr-tee lahyn, pahr-tee lahyn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the authorized, prescribed policies and practices of a group, especially of the Communist Party, usually followed by the members without deviation; official philosophy or credo.
the guiding policy, tenets, or practices of a political party.
The judge was chosen on party lines.
a telephone line connecting the telephones of a number of subscribers by one circuit to a central office, used in some rural areas.
the boundary line separating adjoining properties.

party line

noun

a telephone line serving two or more subscribers
the policies or dogma of a political party, to which all members are expected to subscribe
the boundary between adjoining property

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

party-line adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of party line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

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Idioms and Phrases

The official policy of an organization or government, as in The current party line opposes legalized abortion in all cases. This term, dating from about 1830, was originally used for a political party's official policy but in the mid-1900s was almost exclusively applied to the rigid dicta of the Soviet Communist Party. Since then it has returned to looser use.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

MPs are usually given a free vote on abortion, meaning they do not have to follow any party line on the subject.

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MPs have been given a free vote on it, meaning they can decide based on their conscience rather than having to follow a party line.

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The party, which had to receive 50,000 votes in November or else lose its party line, ultimately decided to endorse Cuomo at the last minute.

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MPs were allowed a free vote on the bill – a reflection of how differences of opinion on the matter defy party lines.

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In the Senate, the 51-44 vote was split along party lines.

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partyism party liner

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