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

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

Word History

First Known Use

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

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