electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
1
: the territory, jurisdiction, or dignity of a German elector
2
: a body of people entitled to vote

Examples of electorate in a Sentence

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.
Vance’s argument—that judges are not simply treading on the President’s constitutional authority but actively frustrating the will of the electorate—is, at bottom, a repudiation of the constitutional structure. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 While Harris is a favorite with Democrats, a slice of the electorate has deeply negative views of her, Jaye noted. Michael R. Blood, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 If the electorate were only among white voters, this would be a very close election. Dean Chang, New York Times, 20 May 2025 For Catalist, this was down to the Harris campaign's assumption that replicating the 2020 electorate would be sufficient to win. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for electorate

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electorate was in 1620

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Cite this Entry

“Electorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electorate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
: a body of people entitled to vote

Legal Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate
: a body of people entitled to vote

More from Merriam-Webster on electorate

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