constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈsti-chə-wən(t)-sē How to pronounce constituency (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lineup suggests Democrats are focused on shoring up support among two key constituencies, Black voters and Latino voters. ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 Certification bodies and government stakeholders – constituencies that typically favor precision – are trending in the opposite direction, choosing flexibility over rigidity in the face of political headwinds. Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Ryan Jenkinson | Getty Images Farage did not attend the vote count overnight, instead speaking with supporters at an event elsewhere in the constituency. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Harvey previously portrayed Lord Buckethead, and ran against then-Prime Minister Theresa May in her Maidenhead constituency in the 2017 general election, per The Guardian. Adam England, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituency

Word History

Etymology

see constitute

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constituency was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constituency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituency. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

constituency

noun
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
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

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