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

Foreigners, the plurality of whom are Chinese, initiated nearly 5,000 pregnancies this way during 2020 alone, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026

Older voters and Republicans largely maintain support Those 55 and older are the only age group to still have plurality support, but only by a 49%-31% margin, down from 65%-24% in 2023. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026

Should the runoff provision be eliminated so that a mayor or commissioner may be elected with a plurality vote (the most votes) even if this does not constitute a majority, understanding that the runoff would be eliminated regardless of when general elections are held? —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

When asked in a Gallup poll to name their top concern, a plurality identified government dysfunction. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2026

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