Main Entry:

¹bal·lot

Pronunciation:

\ˈba-lət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1549

1 a: a small ball used in secret voting b: a sheet of paper used to cast a secret vote2 a: the action or system of secret voting b: the right to vote c: vote 1a3: the number of votes cast4: the drawing of lots