What does "tory" mean?
A member or supporter of the Conservative Party, which evolved from Royalist politicians; historically associated with upholding the rights of the monarchy and the privileges of the established Church.
Tory
/ˈtoɹ.i/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A member or supporter of the Conservative Party, which evolved from Royalist politicians; historically associated with upholding the rights of the monarchy and the privileges of the established Church.
- Grammar: tory is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bircher, bourbon, classical usage, conservatist.
- Useful contrasts: Exclusioner, Labour Party, Labour supporter.
- Usage evidence: Tory wants to show he isn't a coward.
How to use "tory"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tory" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tory" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tory" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tory" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tory" is acting as adj, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bircher" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tory", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A member or supporter of the Conservative Party, which evolved from Royalist politicians; historically associated with upholding the rights of the monarchy and the privileges of the established Church. UK
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Tory. alt-of
- 3 an American who favored the British side during the American Revolution wordnet
- 4 One who is like a British Tory; someone politically conservative. broadly
- 5 a supporter of traditional political and social institutions against the forces of reform; a political conservative wordnet
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 A member or supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada, one of that party's predecessors, or an affiliated provincial political party. Canadian
"The latest Tory budget continued the trend begun in 2000 by making further small cuts in family income taxes."
- 7 a member of political party in Great Britain that has been known as the Conservative Party since 1832; was the opposition party to the Whigs wordnet
- 8 A member of the political factions that sought to prevent the exclusion of James, Duke of York, from the throne of England in the 17th century. derogatory, historical
- 9 An Irish rebel fighting against English rule at the end of the Confederate War and Cromwellian invasion; later extended to other rebels or bandits. derogatory, historical
- 10 A loyal British subject during the American Revolution. US, historical
- 11 A Union sympathizer in the Confederate States during the American Civil War. US, historical
Adjective
- 1 Of or belonging to the Tory Party or the Conservative Party. UK, not-comparable
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Tory. alt-of, not-comparable
- 3 Of or belonging to the Conservative Party of Canada, one of that party's predecessors, or an affiliated provincial political party. Canadian, not-comparable
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name.
- 2 Ellipsis of Tory Island, County Donegal, Ireland. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
- 3 A male given name.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Tory wants to show he isn't a coward."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tory"?
Common synonyms include: bircher, bourbon, classical usage, conservatist, conservative, conservative.
How do you use "tory" in a sentence?
Tory wants to show he isn't a coward.
How do you pronounce "tory"?
Pronounced /ˈtoɹ.i/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Irish tóraí (“pursuer”), from tóir (“pursuit”). The first recorded use in English is from a 1646 letter by James Butler, Earl of Ormond, to a Colonel O'Brien, describing bandits and thieves on main roadways.
Etymology 2
Short for Victoria when used as a female name, and for Victor or Salvatore when used as a male name.
Etymology 3
See Tory.