election

Definition

A process of choosing a leader, members of parliament, councillors, or other representatives by popular vote.

Etymology

From Middle English eleccioun, eleccion, from Anglo-Norman eleccioun, from Latin ēlectiōn-, stem of ēlectiō (“choice, selection”), from ēligō (“I pluck out, I choose”). Equivalent to elect + -ion.

Example Sentences

• "The parliamentary election(s) will be held in March."
• "How did you vote in (UK also: at) the last election?"
• "That brief moment after the election four years ago, when many Americans thought Mr. Obama’s election would presage a new, less fractious political era, now seems very much a thing of the past."

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