absolute majority

American  

noun

1. a number of votes constituting more than half of the number cast.

2. a number of voters constituting more than half of the number registered.

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absolute majority British  

noun

1. a number of votes totalling over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition Compare relative majority

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Example Sentences

The fragmented nature of Dutch politics means no party wins enough seats in the 150-member parliament to form an absolute majority.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

If none achieve that in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated, and additional rounds will then be conducted until someone has an absolute majority.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

Unlike in many Latin American nations, there is no second round in Mexican elections: Whoever receives a plurality of votes is declared the winner, whether or not he or she garners an absolute majority.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024

A total of nine parties are running and no single one is expected to come close to winning enough votes to reach the absolute majority of 68 seats in the chamber.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Upon any one of these bases Prussia must have been accorded an absolute majority of the aggregate number, rather than a scant third.

From The Governments of Europe by Ogg, Frederic Austin