plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 

plural pluralities

1

a

: the state of being plural

b

: the state of being numerous

c

: a large number or quantity

2

: pluralism sense 1

also : a benefice held by pluralism

3

a

: a number greater than another

b

: an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate

c

: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast

Examples of plurality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Obesity-fostering bacteria were found to represent a plurality in the gut microbiomes of American black bears. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

The poll found the majority of Republicans, 52%, and a plurality of MAGA supporters, 45%, oppose the controversial fund set up by the Justice Department to pay people who believe they’ve been victimized by the government. — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

For the first time since 2022, films with a majority-BIPOC cast did not represent the plurality of streaming titles. — Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

While both candidates are Black, McDuffie is doing noticeably better among Black voters, who represent a plurality of the DC electorate at 42%. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for plurality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē 

plural pluralities

1

: the state of being plural or numerous

2

a

: the greater number or part

a plurality of the nations want peace

b

: the number of votes by which one candidate wins over another

c

: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but is not more than half the total votes cast

Legal Definition

plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 

plural pluralities

: an amount or group (as of votes) that is greater than any other amount or group within a total but that is not more than half

especially : a group of justices on an appeals court who do not form a majority but with whose opinion enough other justices concur to render it the decision of the court see also plurality opinion at opinion compare majority