electorate

[ ih-lek-ter-it ]

noun

1. the body of persons entitled to vote in an election.
2. the dignity or territory of an Elector of the Holy Roman Empire.

electorate

/ ɪˈlɛktərɪt /

noun

1. the body of all qualified voters
2. the rank, position, or territory of an elector of the Holy Roman Empire
3. the area represented by a Member of Parliament
4. the voters in a constituency

Word History and Origins

Origin of electorate¹

First recorded in 1665–75; elector + -ate ³

Example Sentences

In short, the electorate is changing thanks to demographics, Republican flight and Democratic outreach.

From Washington Post

Because of the county’s sheer size and liberal-leaning electorate, the new ballots caused statewide margins to shift suddenly in Democrats’ favor.

From Washington Post

Data from the Pew Research Center show that, since 1994, the density of Democrats in the electorate has held fairly steady while the density of Republicans has dropped.

From Washington Post

Of course, to the extent that this was a political calculation, Hawley wasn’t necessarily trying to appeal to the broader electorate, as much as building a base within the GOP.

From Washington Post

Her public profile was built on her dazzling verbal pugilism as she expressed the skepticism and frustration of an electorate that was tired of an administration that seemed intent on skirting the truth.

From Washington Post

Asian-Americans may vote for Democrats now, but they are a highly persuadable—and growing—part of the electorate.

From The Daily Beast

Plus the GOP electorate has become more conservative since 2008.

From The Daily Beast

Eight years later, the white evangelical midterm electorate was more energized for the Republican side.

From The Daily Beast

Republicans can change their brand, appeal to the electorate, shrink government, grow the economy, and save capitalism.

From The Daily Beast

Even now, the GOP still polls less well than the Democratic Party with a surly electorate.

From The Daily Beast

He had commonly administered the Electorate during his Father's absences; and done it with credit to himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Under him the Markgravate of Brandenburg was raised to be an electorate of the empire.

From Project Gutenberg

Every one was indignant, outraged at this crowning insult to a free electorate.

From Project Gutenberg

Fact is that opposition chartered every available traction-engine to bring up rural electorate.

From Project Gutenberg

He was responsible for the policy which threatened to involve the grand-duchy of Hesse in the fate of the Electorate in 1866.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constituency
• voter