tea party

noun

1

: an afternoon social gathering at which tea is served

2

[from the Boston Tea Party, name applied to the occasion in 1773 when a shipment of tea was thrown into Boston harbor in protest against the tax on imports] : an exciting disturbance or proceeding

3

usually Tea Party : a 21st century U.S. political movement in favor of lower taxes, fewer government regulations and programs, strict immigration control, and a strong military

"Tea Party" has become something of a catch-all term to describe an impassioned and empowered group of populist conservatives. They are largely antigovernment, a lot of them are self-described libertarians, and many say they are new to political activism. It is easy to think of them as a singular entity and a growing one.

—Mark Leibovich

Conservative activists started holding "Tea Party" protests in 2009 to vent outrage over federal stimulus spending, the Wall Street bailout and rising national debt. The movement quickly had an electoral impact, culminating in the 2010 midterm elections when the GOP captured the House.

—Martha T. Moore

Examples of tea party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The space hosts a variety of special festive culinary experiences throughout the holiday season such as an afternoon tea party with Mrs. Claus, an ugly sweater bar crawl and a Nutcracker inspired burlesque show with speciality seasonal cocktails. —Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Her collection of animals could outnumber her children and included a wandering armadillo that broke up tea parties and a pet hawk that once landed on the wig of a politician’s wife. —Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024

Tyler Fitzgerald was doubled off after A’s pitcher J.P. Sears broke up a tea party of confused infielders and made a lunging catch of a popup. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024

The table and chairs have served as everything from a platform for coloring to making Legos to serving up delicious pretend feasts and tea parties. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1