ballot

¹bal·lot

noun \ˈba-lət\

Definition of BALLOT

1

a : a small ball used in secret voting b : a sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote

2

a : the action or system of secret voting b : the right to vote c : vote 1a

3

: the number of votes cast

4

: the drawing of lots

Examples of BALLOT

1. They cast their votes in a secret ballot.
2. She was elected by secret ballot.

Origin of BALLOT

Italian ballotta, from Italian dialect, diminutive of balla ball — more at balloon

First Known Use: 1549

Related to BALLOT

Synonyms: vote

Antonyms: disenfranchisement

Related Words: aye (also ay), yea; nay, no, non placet; blackball; referendum; ticket; absentee ballot, Australian ballot, secret ballot, short ballot, write-in

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Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with BALLOT

callet, mallet, palate, palette, pallet, sallet, shallot, valet