Definition and meaning of minority leader: A minority leader is an elected political leader who represents the minority opinion in a legislative body. The minority leader is usually a representative from a smaller political party, or a minority group within a larger political party, and is charged with protecting the interests and concerns of their constituents. The minority leader may be the leader of a third or fourth party, or of a faction that is not part of the majority coalition. In the United States, the minority leader is typically a member of the Democratic or Republican Party, depending on which party currently has the majority of the legislature.