election

American  

[ih-lek-shuhn] / ɪˈlɛk ʃən /

noun

elections plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• elections
  plural

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

While a general election is not necessary to replace a prime minister, calling one is seen as a test of a new prime minister's support among the public.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

Those victories reinforced what has become increasingly difficult to dismiss: Mamdani’s own election was not simply an isolated upset.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026

It wouldn’t surprise us if this is the last time we include this race before the election.

From Slate • Jun. 27, 2026

“It doesn’t take long to count. The counting process is very fast,” Logan said ahead of election day.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026

Daniel Ellsberg did not vote in the presidential election of 1964.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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