WordGarden.ioparty
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɑːti/
US
- /ˈpɑrti/
Meanings
Noun
a social gathering for celebration or fun
an organized political group that competes for power
one of the sides in a legal case or agreement
More meaningsFewer meanings
a person or group involved in an activity or situation
Verb
to celebrate or socialize at a lively gathering
Beyond the definition
A "party" is not always about balloons and cake. It often means a social event for fun, like a birthday celebration or a holiday get-together. But it can also mean a group of people brought together for a purpose. A political party, for example, is a group that shares ideas and works toward the same goals. In more formal situations, the word can mean a person or group involved in an agreement, a legal case, or another action. The word comes from the Old French partie, meaning a side or division, which helps explain these different uses.
The word "party" is surprisingly versatile, moving effortlessly from the dance floor to the courtroom. Most commonly, it refers to a social gathering for pleasure and entertainment—think music, food, and the company of friends. "They threw a fantastic party for their anniversary." However, its meaning extends far deeper into the way we organize ourselves.
In a broader sense, "party" describes any group of people acting together with a shared aim. A political party is a group organized to influence government policy, while a search party is a group assembled for a specific mission. In legal and formal contexts, the word refers to an individual or entity involved in a contract, dispute, or transaction—such as the "first party" or a "third party." Unlike the social meaning, a legal "party" can be just one person.
The word's roots lie in the Old French partie, signifying a "side" or "division." This history explains why we use it to describe being "a party to" an agreement, meaning you are involved and responsible for it. The word has even found a home in modern technology; in video games, players often "party up" to join forces and tackle challenges together. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, aligning with a political movement, or signing a contract, "party" signifies connection, participation, and shared purpose.
Examples
- 1
Social invitation
We're having a party on Friday if you want to come.
- 2
Meeting someone
I met Jamal at a party last summer.
- 3
Surprise celebration
They threw a surprise party for their mom.
- 4
Workplace event
The office party was quieter than last year.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Politics
She joined a political party while she was at university.
- 6
Contract sides
The two parties finally agreed to sign the contract.
- 7
Restaurant booking
The restaurant can take a party of eight at 7:30.
- Patterna party of + number
a group of that many people, especially in a restaurant or hotel
- 8
Involvement
I don't want to be a party to anything dishonest.
- Patternbe a party to + activity
be involved in it
- 9
Independent review
We hired a third party to review the accounts.
- Phrasethird party
another person or organization that is not one of the main two sides
- 10
Nightlife
They partied until two in the morning.
See also
Similar
- gathering
- celebration
- get-together
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- political party
Used with (collocations)
- birthday party
- dinner party
- throw a party
Word family
Explore
- hospitality
- festive occasion
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- partynounverbadjective
Forms
- partiespluralnounverbadjective
- partying-ing formverbnounadjective
- partiedpast tenseverbnounadjective