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.
Further, a plurality of respondents, 44%, said the president’s decision will /make the U.S. less safe over the long run. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025 In a plurality situation, the last-place candidate is eliminated and her or his supporters’ voters are redistributed according to their preferences. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 17 June 2025 While the results varied, some polls found a plurality to majority support for the mass deportations Trump was promising on the campaign trail. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025 The board of trustees of top private universities includes a plurality of finance and consulting folks but tend to lack scholars or community-minded individuals. Luis A. Nunes Amaral, Chicago Tribune, 9 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 30 Jun. 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

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