plurality

noun

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plu·ral·i·ty | \ plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē

plural pluralities

Definition of plurality

1a : 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

3a : 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 This is to ensure no candidate advances to the general election with only a plurality of their party's vote. — Monica Brich, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2022 Views break down along party lines, with most Democrats in support (along with a plurality of independents) and most Republicans opposed. — Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2022 That means that a new governor could be elected with a simple plurality. — Maeve Reston, CNN, 7 Sep. 2021 The vast influx and plurality of ethnicity that has arrived over just a few decades is rapidly changing the demographics of a nation. — Emiliano Granada, Variety, 13 June 2022 Britt handily grabbed the plurality of votes in the primary Tuesday, unofficially garnering 44.73% of the vote, according to the Alabama Secretary of State’s office. — Paul Gattis | Pgattis@al.com, al, 25 May 2022 That can sometimes result in a plurality that will propel someone to the general election in a crowded primary race, but isn’t exactly evidence of a resounding victory. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 24 May 2022 One of the most significant changes in Mr. DeSantis’s map was the dismantling of the plurality-Black Fifth Congressional District, which extends from Jacksonville in the east to Tallahassee in the west. — Alexa Corse, WSJ, 20 May 2022 But whites would remain a significant plurality even if ethnic identification remains constant — and there's reason to think that won't happen. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 18 May 2022 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.

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Dictionary Entries Near plurality

pluralistic idealism

plurality

pluralize

Statistics for plurality

Last Updated

1 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 3 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for plurality

plurality

noun

plu·ral·i·ty | \ plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē

plural pluralities

Legal Definition of plurality

: 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