# Tories

/ˈtɔˌɹiz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tories
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. British Conservative Party

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

Members or supporters of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom.

For teachers: Members or supporters of the British Conservative Party. While originally a derogatory term, it is now widely used by the media and the party itself, though it remains less formal than the official name.

- The Tories have held a majority in parliament for several years.
- Political analysts suggest the Tories may struggle to retain their traditional voter base in the upcoming general election due to shifting economic priorities.

### 2. Canadian Conservative Party

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

Members or supporters of the Conservative Party of Canada.

For teachers: Members or supporters of the Conservative Party of Canada or its provincial counterparts. The term is standard in Canadian political discourse to distinguish the right-leaning party from the Liberals or the NDP.

- The Tories are campaigning on a platform of lower taxes and less spending.
- The provincial Tories gained significant ground in the rural ridings, contrasting with the Liberal party's dominance in urban centres.

### 3. American Revolution loyalists

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

People in America who supported the British king during the American Revolution.

For teachers: Colonists in North America who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. Often used in historical contexts to contrast with the Patriots.

- After the war ended, many Tories left the new United States for Canada.
- Historical records indicate that many Tories faced property confiscation and social ostracism following the victory of the Continental Army.

## Examples

- The Tories won the local election by a small margin.
- Political analysts are debating whether the Tories will change their leadership before the next general election.
- The internal divisions within the Tories regarding European integration have historically shaped the trajectory of British foreign policy and domestic legislation for several decades.

---

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.