plurality

noun

plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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
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.
The Pew numbers show a Democratic plurality at 49 percent. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 29 July 2025 Meanwhile, a plurality of those surveyed said the law’s changes to social safety net provisions, including Medicaid, were a reason to oppose it. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 17 July 2025 Trump’s popular-vote plurality in an election that was framed as a referendum on democracy itself appeared to catch Democrats off guard. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025 Latinos are now the largest minority group in the U.S., a plurality in California and nearly a majority in L.A. and L.A. County — and Mexicans make up the largest segment of all those populations by far. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for plurality

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of plurality was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

plurality

noun
plu·​ral·​i·​ty plu̇-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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 How to pronounce plurality (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on plurality

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