Definition

1. Noun:
   • A social gathering in the afternoon at which tea and light refreshments are served: A "tea party" is a formal or informal social event, typically held in the afternoon, where the primary beverage served is tea, often accompanied by small sandwiches, cakes, or pastries.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • My grandmother hosts a weekly tea party for her friends.
  • The charity event was organized as an elegant garden tea party.
  • We were invited to a children's tea party with tiny cups and cookies.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a tea party": to host or participate in such a gathering.
  • The little girls decided to have a tea party for their dolls.
• "tea party etiquette": the customary rules of polite behavior observed at such events.
  • She explained the proper tea party etiquette, like how to hold a teacup.

Variants and Related Words

• Tea (n): The hot drink made by infusing dried leaves in boiling water, central to the event.
• High tea (n): A more substantial late-afternoon or early-evening meal that often includes tea, but is distinct from a lighter afternoon "tea party."
• Afternoon tea (n): A term often used interchangeably with "tea party" to describe the light afternoon meal.

Synonyms

• Social gathering: A general term for a meeting of people for social purposes.
• Afternoon reception: A more formal term for an afternoon social event.

Related Phrases

• Tea party politics (idiom, advanced): A modern, figurative use referring to a specific political movement or to a situation perceived as overly polite or ineffectual in dealing with serious matters. (Note: This is an idiomatic extension, not the core definition).
  • The negotiations were more of a tea party than a serious debate.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "tea party" is the social event. The term can evoke connotations of formality, tradition, gentility, or childhood play. It is distinct from simply drinking tea; it implies a planned social occasion.

Noun

1. a party at which tea is served