plurality Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being plural
    • to mark plurality, one language may add an extra syllable to the word whereas another may simply change the vowel in the existing final syllable
  2. noun a large indefinite number
    battalion; pack; multitude; large number.
    • a battalion of ants
    • a multitude of TV antennas
    • a plurality of religions
  3. noun (in an election with more than 2 options) the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number (but less that half of the votes)
    relative majority.

WordNet

Plu*ral"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. pluralitas: cf. F. pluralité.
Wordforms
plural pluralities
Definitions
  1. The state of being plural, or consisting of more than one; a number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as, a plurality of worlds; the plurality of a verb.
  2. The greater number; a majority; also, the greatest of several numbers; in elections, the excess of the votes given for one candidate over those given for another, or for any other, candidate. When there are more than two candidates, the one who receives the plurality of votes may have less than a majority. See Majority.
    Take the plurality of the world, and they are neither wise nor good. L'Estrange.
  3. (Eccl.) See Plurality of benefices, below.

Webster 1913