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

Steyer, the more progressive Democrat, captured the plurality of votes in several parts of San Diego city. — Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026

Fatigue with the stagnation inherent in contemporary democratic institutions is among the key factors that make the promise to break through intransigence by autocratic leaders attractive to a plurality of voters. — Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

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

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