plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 

plural pluralities

1

a

: the state of being plural

b

: the state of being numerous

c

: a large number or quantity

2

: pluralism sense 1

also : a benefice held by pluralism

3

a

: a number greater than another

b

: an excess of votes over those cast for an opposing candidate

c

: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but not more than half the total votes cast

Examples of plurality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Overall, our research shows that ranked choice voting elects candidates with broader support and greater democratic legitimacy than plurality. —Andy Schultz, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 2025

In the former category, Siegelaub’s spectrum of activities and interests reminds us of the plurality of Carl Einstein (1885–1940), whose writings and research shifted from the aggressive practices of Berlin Dada to the proto-structuralist interpretation of French Cubism. —Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

The winner-takes-all system (single-member districts, plurality wins) naturally rewards concentration and punishes dispersion. —Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Even a plurality of Republicans (40%) said lowering prices should be the priority compared to immigration (34%). —Elena Moore, NPR, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for plurality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē 

plural pluralities

1

: the state of being plural or numerous

2

a

: the greater number or part

a plurality of the nations want peace

b

: the number of votes by which one candidate wins over another

c

: a number of votes cast for a candidate in a contest of more than two candidates that is greater than the number cast for any other candidate but is not more than half the total votes cast

Legal Definition

plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 

plural pluralities

: an amount or group (as of votes) that is greater than any other amount or group within a total but that is not more than half

especially : a group of justices on an appeals court who do not form a majority but with whose opinion enough other justices concur to render it the decision of the court see also plurality opinion at opinion compare majority