constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈsti-chə-wən(t)-sē 

-ˈstich-, 

-ˈsti-chü-ən(t)-

plural constituencies

1

a

: a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive position)

the governor's liberal constituency

b

: the residents in an electoral district

The senator's constituency includes a large minority population.

c

: an electoral district

2

a

: a group or body that patronizes, supports, or offers representation

… creating … a grass-roots constituency for continuing the project …

—Fred Reed

b

: the people involved in or served by an organization (such as a business or institution)

… regards its corporate customers as its prime constituency.

—Andrew Hacker

Examples of constituency in a Sentence

The senator's constituency includes a large minority population.

He was elected to represent a Liverpool constituency.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just about the only constituency that’s not complaining about the new Ashe are those sitting courtside and in the VIP suites, which have all sold out, according to the USTA. — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026

Wall Street is one constituency that’s been relatively muted on the drama. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Mutual dependence, by contrast, would create constituencies for the relationship in every capital, which is why early projects should be designed to give visible political wins across allied countries. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

With more than half of the constituencies having reported following last week’s polls, official results showed Hichilema securing roughly 58% of the vote, against main challenger Brian Mundubile’s 40%. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see constitute

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing constituency

• multi-member constituency
• single-member constituency

Kids Definition

constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wən-sē 

plural constituencies

1

: a body of citizens having the right to elect a representative to a legislature

2

: the people living in an electoral district

3

: an electoral district

Legal Definition

constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈsti-chə-wən-sē 

plural constituencies

1

: a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive office)

2

: the residents in an electoral district

3

: an electoral district