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
To suggest that another candidate’s supporters are criminals — particularly when that candidate is, by all measures, poised to win at least a plurality of votes in the city — does not seem like a recipe for earning New Yorkers’ support.
—
New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, a plurality of Republicans, 16%, cited the rhetoric or behavior of Democrats and liberals.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Many New Yorkers have come to agree with Mamdani, and the plurality side with Palestinians in polls.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The top two vote-getters are then announced as the winners, making the election system based on a plurality of votes.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plurality
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New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, a plurality of Republicans, 16%, cited the rhetoric or behavior of Democrats and liberals.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Many New Yorkers have come to agree with Mamdani, and the plurality side with Palestinians in polls.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The top two vote-getters are then announced as the winners, making the election system based on a plurality of votes.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plurality
Cite this Entry
“Plurality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plurality. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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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