noun

party

PAH-tee

noun

A social gathering held for enjoyment, often with food, drink, and entertainment.

"They threw a huge party for her birthday."

"The office party ran long into the evening."

An organised political group that puts forward candidates and policies.

"She has voted for the same party her whole life."

"The two main parties disagreed on almost every issue."

One of the sides involved in a legal agreement, dispute, or transaction.

"Both parties signed the contract on Friday."

"The court asked each party to submit evidence."

A group of people travelling or working together for a shared purpose.

"A search party was sent out to look for the missing hikers."

verb

To celebrate or socialise, typically with drinking, music, and dancing.

"They partied all night to celebrate the win."

How to Use Party

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a celebration, a political organisation, a side in a dispute, or a group doing something together.

Common mistake

In legal writing, "party" refers to a side in an agreement or case, not a celebration — context makes the meaning clear.

Common pairings

throw a party political party the other party search party

more party comparative, partied past tense, parties plural, parties singular, most party superlative

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They threw a huge _____ for her birthday.

From Old French partie, "a part, a side," from partir, "to divide," ultimately from Latin pars, "a part" — the same root as "part."

blowout gala get-together knees-up partay shindig shivoo

gala shindig blowout

arty Marty hearty smarty Fogarty Moriarty

blowout gala get-together knees-up partay shindig shivoo