elector

noun

elec·​tor i-ˈlek-tər 

-ˌtȯr

plural electors

1

: a person qualified to vote in an election

2

: a person appointed by a state in the U.S. to vote for president and vice president in the electoral college

When Americans cast their ballots, they are actually voting for a slate of electors appointed by their state's political parties who are pledged to support that party's candidate.

—Allyson Waller

3

: any of the German princes entitled to take part in choosing the Holy Roman Emperor

Examples of elector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In reviewing his record, the cardinal electors might have taken a number of factors into account. —Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 9 May 2025

The conclave of 133 electors is the largest and most globally diverse in history, greater than the 115 electors that participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves, which may also cause a longer time for the vote. —Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Eligible electors must be under the age of 80 and must reach a two-thirds majority, plus one vote, to elect a new pope. —Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

Show more If any electors are too sick to write, one of the three Infirmarii or another cardinal nominated by the unwell elector carries out the same procedure, having taken an oath of secrecy. —Nbc News, NBC news, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elector

• faithless elector

Rhymes for elector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• erector

Kids Definition

elector

noun

elec·​tor i-ˈlek-tər 

-ˌtȯ(ə)r

1

: one qualified to vote in an election

2

: a person appointed by a state in the U.S. to vote for president and vice president in the electoral college

Legal Definition

elector

noun

elec·​tor

1

: a person who is qualified to vote

2

: a member of the electoral college in the U.S.