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

Those grassroots strategies later shaped campaigns like those of Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, who invested in expanding the electorate and mobilizing voters across racial and economic lines. —Averi Harper, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026

Perhaps most importantly, Jackson expanded the size and diversity of the electorate and inspired a generation of African Americans to seek office. —Gibbs Knotts, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026

That low approval, along with the lack of a de facto party leader, has led to a number of Democratic lawmakers offering their views on how the party can make gains among the electorate, particularly working-class voters. —Max Rego, The Hill, 16 Feb. 2026

While progressive activists frame photo ID mandates as voter suppression, the American electorate sees it differently. —Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 16 Feb. 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