election

[ih-lek-shuhn]

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.

election

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of election¹

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

They subsequently won back their seats in special elections, while a third legislator, state Rep. Gloria Johnson, was censured but not expelled.

Read more on Salon

According to the plan, Hamas - which seized control of Gaza in 2007 by ousting its rivals, a year after winning legislative elections - would play no future role in its governance, directly or indirectly.

Read more on BBC

He praised a major donor to his election campaign seated in the gallery.

Read more on BBC

The proposition’s prospects are uncertain — it’s about an obscure topic that few Californians know about, and off-year elections traditionally have low voter turnout.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Before the 2024 election, the New York Times interviewed fifty highly respected members of the legal establishment.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• appointment 
• ballot 
• balloting www.thesaurus.com
• decision 
• poll 
• primary 
• referendum 
• selection