electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
1
: the territory, jurisdiction, or dignity of a German elector
2
: a body of people entitled to vote

Examples of electorate 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.
By drawing a clear line in the sand, Mayor Bass appeals to a large portion of the electorate, local advocates, and nonprofit organizations, strengthening her image as a defender of immigrant communities and a progressive champion. Matt Klink, Oc Register, 10 July 2025 The goal is to create housing that is both financially sustainable and appealing to broad swaths of the electorate. Susanne Schindler, The Conversation, 7 July 2025 Only 5 percent of the electorate doesn't know her, whereas almost half of potential voters are unfamiliar with the next closest candidate. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 By now people can recognize that some groups see an advantage in shrinking the electorate — by making Vote-by-Mail more difficult, requiring unreasonable ID requirements, and blocking felons who completed their sentence from voting. Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for electorate

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electorate was in 1620

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Cite this Entry

“Electorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electorate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
: a body of people entitled to vote

Legal Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate
: a body of people entitled to vote

More from Merriam-Webster on electorate

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