hustings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political
Quick answer
What does “hustings” mean?
A political campaign event, typically a meeting where candidates give speeches and answer questions from the public or press.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A political campaign event, typically a meeting where candidates give speeches and answer questions from the public or press.
The process of campaigning for election in general; the election process or campaign trail. Historically, it referred to a platform from which candidates were nominated or campaigned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in UK and Commonwealth political contexts. In the US, 'campaign trail', 'town hall', or 'debate' are more frequent, though 'hustings' is understood in political journalism.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of traditional, local democracy and accountability. In the US, it may sound slightly archaic or specifically British.
Frequency
High frequency in UK political reporting during election periods; low-to-medium frequency in US political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “hustings” in a Sentence
The candidates spoke at the hustings.The hustings were held in the town hall.Campaigning on the hustingsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hustings” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A hustings-style debate
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; potentially in contexts of corporate internal elections or stakeholder meetings.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and media studies to discuss electoral processes.
Everyday
Mostly encountered during news coverage of elections.
Technical
A specific term in electoral law and political journalism.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hustings”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a husting' is rare). Confusing it with the verb 'hustle'. Spelling: 'hustings' not 'hustlings'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural but usually treated as a singular concept ('The hustings is...' is common, though 'The hustings are...' is also used). It rarely appears in a singular form 'husting'.
Its core use is political. Extended metaphorical use to other competitive selection processes (e.g., a job interview day) is possible but rare and stylistically marked.
It derives from Old Norse 'húsþing', meaning 'house assembly', which was a council or court. It entered English via Old English and came to refer to a platform for election proceedings.
Yes, it belongs to a formal, journalistic, and political register. In informal conversation, people are more likely to say 'campaign event' or 'debate'.
A political campaign event, typically a meeting where candidates give speeches and answer questions from the public or press.
Hustings: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌstɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌstɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the hustings”
- “Take to the hustings”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine candidates must 'hustle' to get votes at the 'hustings' – they hustle on the stage.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING IS A JOURNEY/TOUR (on the hustings).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hustings' most appropriately used?