electorate

noun

elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
1
: the territory, jurisdiction, or dignity of a German elector
2
: a body of people entitled to vote

Examples of electorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More than sixty per cent of the electorate voted against the Republican gerrymander. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Jolly, who is white, faces the challenge of appealing to a broad electorate while avoiding actions that could alienate Black voters. — Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 The argument is that minority votes can be diluted under at-large systems where the electorate is divided along racial lines. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 More than 33 million, or 21% of the electorate, did not go to the polls on Sunday. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for electorate

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electorate was in 1675

Rhymes for electorate

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Browse Nearby Words

electorally
electorate
electorial
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Cite this Entry

“Electorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electorate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate i-ˈlek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce electorate (audio)
: a body of people entitled to vote

Legal Definition

electorate

noun
elec·​tor·​ate
: a body of people entitled to vote
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