constituent

1 of 2

noun

con·​stit·​u·​ent kən-ˈsti-chə-wənt 

-ˈstich-,

-ˈsti-chü-ənt

1

: a member of a constituency

pledged to help her elderly constituents

2

: an essential part : component, element

The organic constituents of plants, animals, and microorganisms …

—Harry S. Mosher et al.

3

: a structural unit of a definable syntactic, semantic, or phonological category that consists of one or more linguistic elements (such as words, morphemes, or features) and that can occur as a component of a larger construction

Thus the constituents of noun phrases comprising noun plus adjective and noun plus genitive commonly adjoin one another.

—Calvert Watkins

4

dated, law : one who authorizes another to act as agent : principal

An agent paying for goods with his own money is entitled to repayment from his constituent.

—Leone Levi

constituent

2 of 2

adjective

1

: serving to form, compose, or make up a unit or whole : component

constituent parts

2

: having the power to create a government or frame or amend a constitution

a constituent assembly

constituently adverb

Synonyms of constituent

Noun

• member
• component
• ingredient
• element
• factor

Choose the Right Synonym for constituent

element, component, constituent, ingredient mean one of the parts of a compound or complex whole.

element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Examples of constituent in a Sentence

Noun

She's pledged to help her elderly constituents.

Many senators have received calls from constituents who want them to vote in favor of the law.

the chemical constituents of the liquid

Adjective

The company can be separated into several constituent parts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During a government shutdown, only members of Congress are allowed to give tours of the Capitol, sparing staff from the extra work, while also halting a service provided for these offices’ constituents. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025

Advertisement What that will look like to red state lawmakers is a spike in uninsured constituents. —Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Archaeologists have been excavating the grounds of Hertford College, a constituent college of Oxford University, since 2024, as part of construction work for a new library. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

The betting is that constituent pressure will be growing enormously over the next few days. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French constituant, from Middle French, from present participle of constituer to constitute, from Latin constituere — see constitute

Adjective

Latin constituent-, constituens, present participle of constituere — see constituent entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing constituent

• immediate constituent

Rhymes for constituent

• substituent

Kids Definition

constituent

1 of 2 noun

con·​stit·​u·​ent kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wənt 

1

: one of the parts of which a thing is made up : element, ingredient

2

: any of the voters who elect a person to represent them

constituent

2 of 2 adjective

1

: forming a part of a whole : component

2

: having the power to create a government or make or change a constitution

a constituent assembly

Legal Definition

constituent

1 of 2 noun

con·​stit·​u·​ent kən-ˈsti-chə-wənt 

1

: one who authorizes another to act as agent : principal

2

: a member of a constituency

constituent

2 of 2 adjective

: having the power to create a government or to frame or amend a constitution

a constituent assembly