constituent

1 of 2

noun

con·​stit·​u·​ent kən-ˈstich-wənt How to pronounce constituent (audio)
-ˈsti-chə-,
-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
: one who authorizes another to act as agent : principal
4
: 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

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
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
Ensure Your Board Represents Your Constituents Stay in touch with stakeholders’ needs by ensuring that your board represents the diversity of your constituents. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 The deadline to drop out of the race passed as North Carolina is scheduled to begin mailing absentee ballots to military and overseas constituents on Friday. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024
Adjective
This is where the donor vehicles, all full-sized Jeep models from that magic SJ era, come to get torn down to their constituent parts. Aaron Turpen, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2024 In the Martian atmosphere, water molecules are broken down into their constituent atoms by ultraviolet energy streaming in from the sun. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constituent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constituent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 3

Adjective

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constituent was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near constituent

Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituent. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

constituent

1 of 2 noun
con·​stit·​u·​ent kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wənt How to pronounce constituent (audio)
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 How to pronounce constituent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on constituent

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