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

"We have seen them used extensively in elections around the world, so there is no reason to assume Britain would be an exception," Vijay Rangarajan, the chief executive of the UK Electoral Commission, told lawmakers.

From BBC

LONDON—British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s loosening grip on power took another blow on Friday after the Green Party won a special district election in which his ruling Labour Party fell to a distant third.

From The Wall Street Journal

Concerns were raised by Democracy Volunteers, a group of voluntary election observers who check voting processes are being followed correctly.

From BBC

And now all eyes will be on whether or not the Greens' success in Gorton and Denton gives them a boost in the national polls just weeks before the 7 May devolved and local elections.

From BBC

So this is a result that will take its place in the history of parliamentary contests between elections.

From BBC

Related Words

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