What does caucus mean?
A caucus is a private meeting held by members of a political party or movement to discuss strategy, select candidates, or agree on policy positions. The term also refers to an organized faction or bloc within a larger body — most famously groups like the Congressional Black Caucus in the United States Congress. In American politics, caucuses are especially visible during presidential nominating seasons, when party members gather in person, as in Iowa's well-known caucuses, rather than voting by secret ballot in a primary. The verb 'to caucus' describes holding such a meeting. The word carries a procedural, insider flavor and appears frequently in political journalism. Its origins are debated, with one theory tracing it to an Algonquian source, though this remains unproven. For anyone following elections or legislative politics, 'caucus' is essential vocabulary.
nounA private meeting of members of a political party or group to select candidates or decide policy; also the group itself, especially a bloc within a legislature.
- A closed meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
- A organized group or bloc within a legislative body, typically formed around shared interests or identity.
"The senator rallied her party's caucus before the crucial vote on healthcare."
"Delegates gathered in the school gymnasium for the Iowa caucuses."
"The bipartisan climate caucus pushed the bill through committee."
Standard regular plural; commonly used to refer collectively to state nominating events, e.g. 'the Iowa caucuses'.
"Candidates campaigned across the state ahead of the caucuses."
Nobody knows for sure where 'caucus' comes from — one popular theory traces it to an Algonquian word meaning 'advisor', making it one of the few American political terms possibly borrowed from Native American languages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of caucus
The origin of 'caucus' is genuinely uncertain, first attested in the American colonies in the mid-18th century. One influential theory derives it from an Algonquian word (such as Powhatan 'caucawasu') meaning 'advisor' or 'counselor'; another links it to a Boston political club called the Caucus Club. No reliable cognates in other languages are established, so confident etymological relatives cannot be listed.
How caucus is actually used
In American usage, 'caucus' is strongly associated with the presidential nominating process, particularly Iowa's caucuses, and contrasts with primaries. As a verb, 'to caucus' means to hold such a meeting. The word carries a slightly insider, procedural connotation.
Easily confused with caucus
A chorus is a group of singers or a repeated refrain, whereas a caucus is a political meeting or faction.
A circus is a public entertainment spectacle, while a caucus is a private political gathering.