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

Taylor, who did have a plurality of voter support in a losing effort, has already signaled his intent to run for mayor in a special election, which is likely to take place in the spring of next year. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

John Quincy Adams won the election in the House, even though Andrew Jackson had won a plurality of the popular and electoral votes. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024

The plurality of worlds becomes the foundation for a plurality of viewpoints. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

The ballot measure shows bipartisan support, with a majority of Republicans and unaffiliated voters, along with a plurality of Democrats, backing it in the survey. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Oct. 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