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

In 2020, he won a special Senate election to fill the remainder of the late GOP Sen. John McCain’s term, and two years later he was elected to a full term.

From Salon

The recent tragedy came as the Hong Kong government has been campaigning to boost turnout for a legislative council election scheduled for Dec. 7.

From The Wall Street Journal

The party will now get on with the job of putting the new rules into action – including choosing candidates for next May's local elections.

From BBC

Election authorities have said they would issue preliminary election results Sunday night.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Honestly, the next election is three years away, and if you look at the election cycles, two years from when Bill Clinton won, we thought Paul Tsongas was going to be the nominee,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

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