plurality
plurality Lexical Profile
plurality Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American In an election with three or more candidates, the number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other individual candidate, though not necessarily an absolute majority (more than half) of the total votes cast; also, the margin by which the leading candidate exceeds the second-place candidate.
"She won the mayoral election with a 42 percent plurality, defeating three other contenders."
The state or fact of being plural, numerous, or diverse; a large number, variety, or multitude of things or people.
"A healthy democracy accommodates a plurality of viewpoints and cultural traditions."
In ecclesiastical usage, the holding of two or more church benefices or offices simultaneously by a single cleric.
"Church reformers in the nineteenth century passed strict regulations to curb the practice of plurality among parish clergy."
Word Nuance & Usage
In political and electoral contexts, do not confuse a 'plurality' (having more votes than any single opponent, even if less than 50%) with a 'majority' (having more than half of all votes cast).
• Rhymes for plurality
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'pluralite', from Late Latin 'pluralitatem' (nominative 'pluralitas'), meaning 'the state of being plural', derived from Latin 'pluralis' ('belonging to more than one').