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

In most polls today, there is plurality or majority support for mass deportations. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The poll showed a slight plurality of 40% of Americans who believe the government will be more effective at getting things done going forward. —Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 14 Dec. 2024

Forty-nine percent of them, a plurality, viewed Trump as a better handler of the nation’s economy than Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024

That’s why the founder generally has the plurality stake. —Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2024

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