absolute majority

American  

noun

1. a number of votes constituting more than half of the number cast.

2. a number of voters constituting more than half of the number registered.

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absolute majority British  

noun

1. a number of votes totalling over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition Compare relative majority

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Example Sentences

But while the PP came out ahead with 53 seats, that is down from 58 in 2022 and below the 55 needed for an absolute majority in the assembly to govern alone.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Under Germany's constitution, there is no limit to how many votes can be held, but ultimately if no absolute majority is reached then a candidate can be elected without one.

From BBC • May 6, 2025

Election results on Saturday showed that the party had fallen short of winning an absolute majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2024

Unlike in many Latin American nations, there is no second round in Mexican elections: Whoever receives a plurality of votes is declared the winner, whether or not he or she garners an absolute majority.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024

No Deputy can be elected by the first series of votes, except by an absolute majority of the electors of the district and department, who have voted during the three days.

From Memoirs To Illustrate The History Of My Time Volume 1 by Cole, John William