noun
whip
A political party official who keeps legislators voting with the party.
The party whip urges lawmakers to support the new budget bill.
Etymology
The political title shortens whipper-in, borrowed from the hunting official who kept hounds together. The party whip similarly maintains the group’s discipline.
More examples
- The majority whip counts supporters before the vote begins.
- Senators choose her as their party's next whip.
- Both parties' whips remind members to attend the crucial vote.
Forms
whip · whips
Similar words
- leader
- Directs the party broadly, rather than specifically maintaining voting discipline.
- enforcer
- Ensures compliance generally, without necessarily holding a legislative party office.