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Definition of gerrymandering

gerrymandering

/ˈdʒɛr.iˌmæn.dər.ɪŋ/
ger · ry · man · der · ing
Plural:gerrymanderings
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gerrymandering Lexical Profile

gerrymandering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one political party, incumbent, or socio-economic class over another.

Example

"Critics argued that partisan gerrymandering had rendered dozens of congressional districts virtually uncompetitive."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gerrymandering

Word Nuance & Usage

Although originally named after Governor Elbridge Gerry (whose surname was pronounced with a hard 'g' as in 'get'), the word is almost universally pronounced today with a soft 'g' (/ˈdʒɛr.i.mæn.dər.ɪŋ/).

• Nearby Words

gerontologist
gerrhosaurid
gerrymander
gerrymandering
gerund
gerygone
gesneria

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1812 as a portmanteau of the surname of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry and 'salamander', after a satirical cartoon depicted a newly redrawn, partisan electoral district in Essex County as a winged monster resembling a salamander.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gerrymandering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gerrymandering
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