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

With Gov. Janet Mills having dropped out of the Maine Senate race last week, the general election between oysterman veteran Graham Platner and Sen. Susan Collins is on.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

The issue may yet roar back on to the agenda in the campaign for the next general election, which must be held by August 2029.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok opened the session, welcoming lawmakers elected in the April 12 general election, who are set to vote this afternoon to appoint Magyar as head of government.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

As Labour's long hold on power ends, a Plaid Cymru leader stands poised to become first minister for the first time, after a highly successful Welsh election performance.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

It was stupid, but I remember wondering right then if there might be something in this election, some way that things could happen, that would give me a way to do something she might notice.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

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