proportional representation

noun

: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular votes received

Examples of proportional representation 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.
Ireland uses a complex system of proportional representation in which each of the country’s 43 constituencies elects several lawmakers and voters rank candidates in order of preference. Jill Lawless and Peter Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 Smaller parties are pushing for proportional representation, though secularists fear that may boost the clout of fringe religious hardliners. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024 The letter made several recommendations to improve gender parity in the election, including ranking women higher on lists of non-constituency candidates selected by proportional representation, which gives them a better chance of winning seats. Reuters, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Suburban referenda Glencoe home-rule status: Vote yes Oak Park proportional representation for the election of village trustees: Vote yes. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proportional representation 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proportional representation was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near proportional representation

Cite this Entry

“Proportional representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional%20representation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on proportional representation

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!