suffrage

American  

[suhf-rij] / ˈsʌf rɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, especially in a political election.

2. a vote given in favor of a proposed measure, candidate, or the like.

3. Ecclesiastical. a prayer, especially a short intercessory prayer or petition.

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suffrage British  

/ ˈsʌfrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, esp in public elections; franchise

2. the exercise of such a right; casting a vote

3. a supporting vote

4. a prayer, esp a short intercessory prayer

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suffrage Cultural  

1. The right to vote (see franchise). In the United States, the term is often associated with the women's movement to win voting rights. (See suffragist.)

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Other Word Forms

• antisuffrage
  adjective
• nonsuffrage
  noun
• presuffrage
  noun
• prosuffrage
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of suffrage

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin suffrāgium “voting tablet, a vote cast in an assembly (for a law or candidate), an act of voting or the exercise of the right to vote, the decision reached by a vote, an expression of approval, influence or promotion on behalf of a candidate,” equivalent to Latin suffrāg(ārī) “to express public support, vote or canvass for, support” + -ium noun suffix; see -ium

Explanation

Suffrage is the right to vote in public elections. Universal suffrage means everyone gets to vote, as opposed to only men or property holders. Suffrage has nothing to do with "suffering" — unless the wrong person is elected. If you want to vote before you’re 18, fight for youth suffrage and get the law changed. In the meantime, once you turn 18, go vote! Kids grow up, of course, but it has been much harder for others to get the right to vote. For example, after trying for about a hundred years, American women were granted suffrage and voted for the first time in 1920. Think about that next time you’re tempted to stay home on election day.

Example Sentences

Universal suffrage is, however, practised in the breakaway region of Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has never been internationally recognised.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

The suffrage coin showed a marcher with a “votes for women” sign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

There he involves his wife, Lady Jane, who must balance securing their entry into London high society — and thus their future prospects — with her growing involvement in women’s suffrage.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2025

The Pentagon later clarified that Hegseth doesn’t oppose women’s suffrage.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2025

She also may have felt ambivalent about the suffrage issue because she was a Quaker; many Quakers refused to vote because they did not want to participate in a government that waged war.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling