party

party [pärt′ē]

n.

pl. parties [ME partie < OFr < partir, to divide < L partiri < pars,PART¹]

1. a group of people working together to establish or promote particular theories or principles of government which they hold in common; esp., an organized political group which seeks to elect its candidates to office and thus to direct government policies

2. any group of persons acting together; specif.,

a) a group sent out on a task or mission [a surveying party]

b) a group meeting together socially to accomplish a task [a quilting party]

c) a group assembled for amusement or recreation [a fishing party]

3. a gathering for social entertainment, or the entertainment itself, often of a specific nature [a birthday party, cocktail party]

4. a person who participates or is concerned in an action, proceeding, plan, etc.: often with to [to be a party to a conspiracy]

5. either of the persons or sides concerned in a legal matter

6. Informal a person [the party who telephoned]

adj.

1. of or having to do with a political party [a party leader]

2. for a social gathering [party clothes]

vi.

partied, partying

☆ 1. to attend or hold social parties

2. Informal to take part in social activity, as at a party, in an unrestrained, often boisterous manner, usually while drinking alcoholic beverages, taking drugs, etc.

partyer

n.