majority

ma·jor·i·ty

noun \mə-ˈjȯr-ə-tē, -ˈjär-\

plural ma·jor·i·ties

Definition of MAJORITY

1

obsolete : the quality or state of being greater

2

a : the age at which full civil rights are accorded

b : the status of one who has attained this age

3

a : a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total <a majority of voters> <a two-thirds majority>

b : the excess of a majority over the remainder of the total : margin <won by a majority of 10 votes>

c : the greater quantity or share <the majority of the time>

4

: the group or political party having the greater number of votes (as in a legislature)

5

: the military office, rank, or commission of a major

— majority adjective

Examples of MAJORITY

1. A clear majority of the voters support the policy.
2. The Republicans are currently the majority in the Senate.

First Known Use of MAJORITY

1552

Related to MAJORITY

Synonyms

bulk, generality, lion's share, mass, preponderance

Antonyms

minority

Related Words

plurality; maximum, most; abundance, heap, loads, lot, much, oodles, plenty, profusion, reams, scads, wealth

Near Antonyms

couple, few, handful, smattering, sprinkling; least, minimum

Rhymes with MAJORITY

minority, priority, seniority, sonority, sorority