plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Candidates must receive a plurality of votes, which means the candidate with the most votes wins without a runoff. Dallas News, 21 Feb. 2023 This set brings a plurality of things to the bar table, nine in total. Mark Stock, Men's Health, 1 Feb. 2023 Just three companies will capture a majority of US digital ad spending this year, according to eMarketer estimates shared by Bloomberg, with Google taking a plurality of the total. Casey Newton, The Verge, 25 Jan. 2023 Still, the plurality of the list was made up of tech companies, with 41 making the cut. Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 11 Jan. 2023 Fourteen Republicans dropped their opposition to his candidacy on the 12th ballot, with the California Republican earning a plurality of votes for the first time. Juliegrace Brufke, Washington Examiner, 6 Jan. 2023 Because a majority is required, not a plurality, the speaker’s gavel has always been won by a member of the party holding the majority of House seats. Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2023 Indeed, there is often an upside to approving significant initiatives with as large a plurality as possible-even if it is not required. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023 The Republicans tried, but failed, to use the plurality rule to end the debate. Thomas Balcerski, CNN, 4 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plurality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of plurality was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near plurality

Cite this Entry

“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

plurality

noun
plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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 How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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