# parties

/ˈpɑɹtiz/ (US) · /pˈɑːtɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parties
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. social gatherings

noun · CEFR A2

social events where people eat, drink, and have fun together.

For teachers: plural of 'party' referring to social gatherings for celebration or entertainment.

- They hosted several parties during the summer to meet their new neighbours.
- The university administration decided to limit the number of outdoor parties held on campus during the final exam period.

### 2. political groups

noun · CEFR B1

organised groups of people with similar political aims who try to get elected.

For teachers: plural of 'party' referring to formal political organisations that seek to influence or control government policy.

- Representatives from both political parties met to discuss the new law.
- In many parliamentary systems, smaller parties must form a coalition to achieve a governing majority.

### 3. legal participants

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal · Technical

the people or groups involved in a legal case or a business contract.

For teachers: plural of 'party' referring to the individuals, corporations, or entities involved in a legal proceeding or agreement.

- Both parties signed the contract after agreeing on the final price.
- The judge ordered all parties involved in the dispute to attend a mediation session before the trial began.

## Examples

- We are planning two big parties for the summer.
- The contract was signed by both parties in the presence of a legal witness to ensure the agreement was binding.
- While the city is famous for its vibrant street parties, it also serves as the headquarters for several major political parties competing in the upcoming election.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.