election
Americannoun
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the selection of a person or persons for office by vote.
In 2018, elections for governors were held in 36 states.
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the status of being or having been elected.
his fading chances for election;
the international coverage of her election.
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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.
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the act of electing.
There is no evidence to suggest violation of the rules of election.
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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.
noun
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the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp a political office
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a public vote on an official proposition
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the act or an instance of choosing
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Christianity
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the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works
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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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing election
Election Lingo
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"The Civil Rights Movement"
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Michelle Obama's Speech at the 2016 DNC
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the first day of parliamentary business since last week's election, members will also vote to elect a new presiding officer, Holyrood's version of the speaker.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
It broadened the list in 2007 and 2012, adding corruption or election crimes.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Estelle voted in a November 2023 election that included races for city council and school boards, according to Douglas County records.
From Salon • May 14, 2026
Instead, Rayner stood for the deputy leadership and won election to that post comfortably - going on to be a central figure in Sir Keir's bid to remake the party.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
One of the stories I love best about Lincoln is that after his election to office, he appointed some of his bitterest enemies to his cabinet.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
