election

American  

[ih-lek-shuhn] / ɪˈlɛk ʃən /

noun

1. the selection of a person or persons for office by vote.

   In 2018, elections for governors were held in 36 states.

2. the status of being or having been elected.

   his fading chances for election;

   the international coverage of her election.

3. a public vote upon a proposition submitted.

   The official results of today’s election regarding use of public lands will not be reported any earlier than tomorrow.

4. the act of electing.

   There is no evidence to suggest violation of the rules of election.

5. Theology. the choice by God of individuals, as for a particular work or for favor or salvation.

   Election is not a hidden decree, but the decree revealed in Christ.

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election British  

/ ɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp a political office

2. a public vote on an official proposition

3. the act or an instance of choosing

4. Christianity

   1. the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works

   2. the doctrine of Arminius and others that God chooses for salvation those who, by grace, persevere in faith and works

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Other Word Forms

• interelection adjective
• nonelection noun
• postelection adjective
• reelection noun
• self-election noun
• subelection noun

Etymology

Origin of election

First recorded in 1225–75; from Latin ēlēctiōn- (stem of ēlēctiō ), equivalent to ēlēct(us) ( elect ) + -iōn- noun suffix ( -ion ); replacing Middle English eleccioun, from Anglo-French

Example Sentences

Guinean security forces neutralised an armed group in the capital they said had "subversive intentions threatening national security", according to an official statement, a day before the country holds elections.

From Barron's

"Right now, honestly, it's anyone's guess. We really don't know until general elections are held."

From Barron's

"We guarantee it to be a free and fair election," he told reporters after casting his ballot in the capital Naypyidaw.

From Barron's

Voting ended Saturday in Ivory Coast's parliamentary elections, a vote marked by poor turn-out following a boycott call by opposition parties.

From Barron's

The Central African Republic holds elections Sunday, with Faustin-Archange Touadera widely tipped to remain president after a campaign in which he boasted of steadying a nation long plagued by conflict.

From Barron's

Related Words

• appointment
• ballot
• balloting
• decision
• poll
• primary
• referendum
• selection