What does bipartisan mean?
"Bipartisan" is an adjective describing something that involves, receives support from, or is agreed upon by two major political parties — typically the two dominant parties in a system like that of the United States. When a bill passes with bipartisan support, for example, members of both parties have backed it rather than only one side. The word is almost exclusively used in political discourse, appearing frequently in discussions of legislation, committees, commissions, and policy initiatives that cross party lines. It carries a generally favorable connotation, implying cooperation, compromise, and a willingness to set aside ideological differences for a shared goal; consequently, politicians often tout their bipartisan credentials as evidence of pragmatism. The related noun "bipartisanship" refers to this spirit of cross-party cooperation itself. Because the term presupposes exactly two significant parties, it is most natural in American and other two-party contexts, though it can be adapted elsewhere. Its opposite is "partisan," meaning firmly aligned with one side.
adjectiveInvolving or supported by two major political parties; marked by cooperation between parties that normally oppose each other.
- Relating to or supported by two major political parties, especially through cooperation or compromise between them.
"The infrastructure bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress."
"The tax reform package won bipartisan backing from both Republicans and Democrats."
"A bipartisan commission was formed to investigate the election procedures."
The word "bipartisan" was born in American politics — it literally means 'both sides of the aisle' shaking hands, a rare enough event that it earned its own word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bipartisan
"Bipartisan" combines the Latin-derived prefix "bi-" (meaning "two") with "partisan," which traces back through French "partisan" ultimately to Latin "pars" ("part" or "side"). The term emerged in American English during the nineteenth century as the U.S. two-party system matured, describing actions or agreements spanning both major parties. It shares the root "pars" with words such as "partition," "partial," and "participate."
Related word forms
How bipartisan is actually used
Primarily used in political contexts, most often in American English where a two-party system makes the term especially apt. It carries a generally positive connotation of compromise and cooperation, and is typically applied to legislation, committees, commissions, and policies rather than to individuals. The derived noun "bipartisanship" denotes the quality of such cooperation.
Easily confused with bipartisan
"Nonpartisan" means free from any party affiliation or bias, while "bipartisan" specifically involves cooperation between the two major parties.