minority

noun

mi·​nor·​i·​ty mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē 

mī-, 

-ˈnär-

plural minorities

1

a

: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole

The proposition was opposed by a minority of voters.

: a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total

a one-third minority

… a minority of votes can translate into a majority of seats.

—Carlos Lozada

b

: the smaller quantity or share

Teams in possession of the ball for a majority of the time have been no more likely to win than those in possession for a minority of the time.

—Kevin Pullein

2

: the group or political party having the smaller number of votes

the Democratic/Republican minority in the Senate

—often used before another noun

a U.S. Senate minority leader

3

a

: a part of a population thought of as differing from the rest of the population in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment

the country's ethnic minorities

minority communities

b

: a member of a minority group

… Speaking as a minority, it's even more satisfying to see women have the chance to follow their dreams …

—Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweek

a minority student

a minority-owned business

—often plural

Doctors are struggling to comply with new federal guidelines requiring them to include more minorities in clinical trials …

—Douglas Stanglin et al.

4

a

: the period before a person reaches the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)

b

: the state of being a legal minor

Synonyms of minority

• adolescence

Examples of minority in a Sentence

The proposal is opposed by a minority of voters.

The Republicans are now the minority in the Senate.

The group is becoming an influential minority in the community.

Recent Examples on the Web

It was created by the California Legislature in 1968 after the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles, ostensibly to curb redlining by banks, home sellers and insurers in minority neighborhoods. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

As well, even recognition of the historic accomplishments of minority individuals, such as the Tuskegee airmen, would be removed. — Richard Davis, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

Kyl rose to a leadership position during his last full term in the Senate, when his Republican colleagues selected him as minority whip. — Jacques Billeaud The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

The overwhelmingly white and male leadership commands an enlisted force in which 34% identify with a racial minority group and 17% are women. — Jeremiah Favara, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing minority

• in the minority
• minority leader

Rhymes for minority

• authority
• majority
• priority
• seniority
• sonority
• sorority
• exteriority
• inferiority
• superiority

Kids Definition

minority

noun

mi·​nor·​i·​ty mə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē 

mī-, 

-ˈnär-

plural minorities

1

: the state or period of being a legal minor

2

: the smaller number

especially : a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control

3

: a part of a population that differs from other groups in some characteristics and is often given unfair treatment

Legal Definition

minority

noun

mi·​nor·​i·​ty

plural minorities

1

a

: the period before attainment of majority

b

: the state of being a minor

2

: the smaller of two groups constituting a whole: as

a

: a group (as in a legislative body) having less than the number of votes necessary for control

b

: a group of judges among those hearing an appeal who disagree with the majority's judgment : dissent sense 3

c

: a group of jurisdictions taking a less widespread approach to or view of a legal question, issue, or problem

3

a

: a part of a population differing especially from the dominant group in some characteristics (as race, sex, or national origin) and often subject to differential treatment

b

: a member of a minority

an effort to hire more minorities