minority
noun
mi·nor·i·ty
mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē 
mī-,
-ˈnär-
plural minorities
1
a
: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole
The proposition was opposed by a minority of voters.
: a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total
a one-third minority
… a minority of votes can translate into a majority of seats.—
Carlos Lozada
Carlos Lozada
b
: the smaller quantity or share
Teams in possession of the ball for a majority of the time have been no more likely to win than those in possession for a minority of the time.—Kevin Pullein
Kevin Pullein2
: the group or political party having the smaller number of votes
the Democratic/Republican minority in the Senate
—often used before another nouna U.S. Senate minority leader
3
a
: a part of a population thought of as differing from the rest of the population in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment
the country's ethnic minorities
minority communities
b
: a member of a minority group
"… Speaking as a minority, it's even more satisfying to see women have the chance to follow their dreams. …"—Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweek
Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweeka minority student
a minority-owned business
—often used in pluralDoctors are struggling to comply with new federal guidelines requiring them to include more minorities in clinical trials …—Douglas Stanglin et al.
Douglas Stanglin et al.4
a
: the period before a person reaches the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)
b
: the state of being a legal minor
Examples of minority in a Sentence
The proposal is opposed by a minority of voters.
The Republicans are now the minority in the Senate.
The group is becoming an influential minority in the community.
Recent Examples on the Web
One person noted that researchers working on minority health issues may have joint appointments in ethnic studies departments, and those studying women's health issues sometimes have joint appointments in women's studies departments.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
Trump has already moved to oust career staff at EPA and other agencies, remove scientific advisers and close an office that helps minority communities that disproportionately struggle with polluted air and water.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Programs that are supposed to help develop clean energy, or which give preferences to minority groups, are likely most at risk.
—Chris Isidore, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Arising after the Black Lives Matter protests and George Floyd's killing in 2020, Target's moves were accompanied by initiatives to help minority employees advance their careers, diversify its suppliers and ensure stores were welcoming to LGBTQ, Black, Asian, veteran and disabled shoppers.
—Arriana McLymore and Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for minority 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
Trump has already moved to oust career staff at EPA and other agencies, remove scientific advisers and close an office that helps minority communities that disproportionately struggle with polluted air and water.
—Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Programs that are supposed to help develop clean energy, or which give preferences to minority groups, are likely most at risk.
—Chris Isidore, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Arising after the Black Lives Matter protests and George Floyd's killing in 2020, Target's moves were accompanied by initiatives to help minority employees advance their careers, diversify its suppliers and ensure stores were welcoming to LGBTQ, Black, Asian, veteran and disabled shoppers.
—Arriana McLymore and Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for minority
Articles Related to minority
Dictionary Entries Near minority
Cite this Entry
“Minority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minority. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
minority
noun
mi·nor·i·ty
mə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē
mī-,
-ˈnär-
plural minorities
1
: the state or period of being a legal minor
2
: the smaller number
especially
: a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
3
: a part of a population that differs from other groups in some characteristics and is often given unfair treatment
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