majority
noun
ma·jor·i·ty
mə-ˈjȯr-ə-tē
-ˈjär-
plural majorities
1
a
: a number or percentage equaling more than half of a total
a majority of voters
a two-thirds majority
b
: the excess of a majority over the remainder of the total : margin
won by a majority of 10 votes
c
: the greater quantity or share
the majority of the time
2
a
: the age at which full civil rights are accorded
The age of majority in the U.S. is 18.
b
: the status of one who has attained this age
… graduated … before he had attained his majority …—W. L. Burrage
3
: the group or political party having the greater number of votes (as in a legislature)
4
: the military office, rank, or commission of a major
Majorities and colonelcies were thick as June blackberries.—Dixon Wecter
5
obsolete
: the quality or state of being greater
majority
adjective
Cite this Entry
“Majority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/majority. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
