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

The state opened its partisan primaries in 2016, allowing unaffiliated voters — who make up a plurality of eligible voters — to participate in the primary of their choosing. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2025

Minecraft nights, Hello Kitty nights, Star Wars nights, Harry Potter Nights and Barbie Nights are happening in a plurality of big-league parks. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

For instance, slightly smaller pluralities — 47% and 46%, respectively — disapproved of his handling of U.S.-Canada relations and health care. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025

Founded in 1994 in the run-up to the city’s return from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the Democratic Party grew into the largest and most successful opposition party — garnering strong public support in city-wide elections — and has long been a key symbol of the city’s freedoms and plurality. —Reuters, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for plurality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

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