1. people who remain aloof or independent, especially in politics
Usage: often derogatory
2. Republican politicians who bolted from their party to support Democrat Grover Cleveland in the 1884 presidential election
Usage: historical; U.S. politics

Examples

• The senator was criticized as a mugwump for refusing to endorse either candidate.
• Political mugwumps often claim to vote based on issues rather than party loyalty.
• The 1884 mugwumps believed Cleveland was more honest than their own party’s nominee.
• Party leaders dismissed the mugwumps as disloyal troublemakers.
• Some voters admire mugwumps for their independence from party politics.
• The mugwumps’ defection may have cost the Republicans the 1884 election.