plurality
noun
plu·ral·i·ty
plu̇-ˈra-lə-tē 
plural pluralities
1
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
Taylor, who did have a plurality of voter support in a losing effort, has already signaled his intent to run for mayor in a special election, which is likely to take place in the spring of next year.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
John Quincy Adams won the election in the House, even though Andrew Jackson had won a plurality of the popular and electoral votes.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024
The plurality of worlds becomes the foundation for a plurality of viewpoints.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
The ballot measure shows bipartisan support, with a majority of Republicans and unaffiliated voters, along with a plurality of Democrats, backing it in the survey.
—Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plurality 
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Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
John Quincy Adams won the election in the House, even though Andrew Jackson had won a plurality of the popular and electoral votes.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024
The plurality of worlds becomes the foundation for a plurality of viewpoints.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
The ballot measure shows bipartisan support, with a majority of Republicans and unaffiliated voters, along with a plurality of Democrats, backing it in the survey.
—Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for plurality
Dictionary Entries Near plurality
Cite this Entry
“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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