electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət 

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

Voters who are not affiliated with either party make up about 35% of the electorate, more than the 27% of voters who are registered as Democrats. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2026

In the last 25 years, the American electorate has become more polarized, distrustful, and apathetic. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

That is perhaps unsurprising given how sharply the California electorate has swung left, with no Republican winning a statewide contest since 2006. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Some of those parties won’t even reach the 5% threshold to have any of their votes counted, which is why the AfD could secure power with less than half the electorate. — Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for electorate

• directorate
• inspectorate
• protectorate

Kids Definition

electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət 

: a body of people entitled to vote

Legal Definition

electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate

: a body of people entitled to vote