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
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Louisiana lawmakers redraw districts Following the court order, the Louisiana state legislature passed Senate Bill 8 in January 2024, redrawing the congressional map and creating two districts where Black voters composed a substantial portion of the electorate in compliance with the Gingles ruling. Sam D. Hayes, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025 In competitive districts, nearly half the electorate ends up with no representation. Duane Roberts, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025 But a sizable slice of the electorate still remains wary of sending a woman to the White House, according to a new American University poll. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025 How polarized is the electorate? David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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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