election
Pluralelections
- 1A time when people vote to choose a leader or representatives, or the choosing of someone by vote.
Like a giant group vote where everyone helps pick who will be in charge.
The whole town turned out to vote in the election last week.
People often line up early during big elections.
UsageSay vote in an election. Elections are held, and people win or lose them.
- 2The particular option that a person picks from several choices.
Like picking which flavor of ice cream you want and then telling someone your choice.
You can change your election before the deadline.
His benefits election for this year includes health insurance for his family.
UsageUsed mostly on work forms. In everyday talk, say choice or option.
Note
- 3In Calvinist belief, God's choice of certain people to be saved.
Like being chosen for a team before you ever show up, with the decision made ahead of time.
Calvinists believe that election is God's free choice, not something people earn.
Their church teaches that salvation comes through God's election.
Note
Less common meaning
- 4Any choice a person makes on purpose.
To use men with much difference and election is good.
1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Followers and Friends”Here, election means careful choice, choosing on purpose.Whosoever searcheth all the circumstances and embraceth all the consequences thereof hindereth his election.
1603, Michel de Montaigne, The EssayesUsageYou may still see of your own election, which means chosen freely.
Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin ēlectiō, meaning "choice" or "selection," from a verb meaning "to choose."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Election comes ultimately from Latin ēlectiō. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin ēlectiō means choice or selection. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin ēlectiō derives from a verb meaning to choose. en.wiktionary.org