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) ( see elect) + -iōn- noun suffix ( see -ion); replacing Middle English eleccioun, from Anglo-French

Explanation

An election is a vote to decide who will hold a political office. Every four years, there is the election of a new U.S. President. If you have been following politics for long, you'll hear about plenty of elections: votes held every few years for political office. Mayors, governors, judges, and the President are all put in office by elections. You can also speak of the election of a winner: for example, "Her election was close." An election can also mean any kind of choice, such as "his election to move to Vermont." All the meanings of this word have to do with exercising choice.

Example Sentences

However, the Conservatives have run the borough council since 2018 and strengthened their hold by taking majority control in 2022 which was the last time the whole borough was up for election.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

The state reportedly spent about $5 million administering the special election, while outside groups poured nearly $100 million into campaigns surrounding the referendum.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Labour’s problems are further compounded by the rise of the Green Party, which logged its best-ever local election results.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

A third of the seats were up for election in Wigan, with Reform winning 24 out of 25 as Labour suffered heavy losses to see its majority on the council reduced.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

I had already decided to keep it in my locker until after the election.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

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