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

Examples of plurality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just over half of voters supported providing the healthcare to eligible immigrants 50 years old or above, and a plurality — 49% — favored providing the coverage to adults between the ages of 18 and 49. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025 Additionally, a plurality, 31%, said the present period is the least politically stable, easily outstripping the 17% who selected the Civil War. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 One item remains more positive for Trump than the rest of his trade policy so far: targeted tariffs on China, as a plurality of Americans view China as an adversary that benefits more from trade than the US. Christian Paz, Vox, 2 May 2025 In the last election in 2021, the Liberals won 160 seats, a plurality, short of the 170 seats required that year for a majority. The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plurality

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on plurality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!