election

[ ih-lek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the selection of a person or persons for office by vote:

   In 2018, elections for governors were held in 36 states.

2. the status of being or having been elected:

   his fading chances for election;

   the international coverage of her election.

3. a public vote upon a proposition submitted:

   The official results of today’s election regarding use of public lands will not be reported any earlier than tomorrow.

4. the act of electing:

   There is no evidence to suggest violation of the rules of election.

5. Theology. the choice by God of individuals, as for a particular work or for favor or salvation:

   Election is not a hidden decree, but the decree revealed in Christ.

election

/ ɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp a political office
2. a public vote on an official proposition
3. the act or an instance of choosing
4. Christianity
   1. the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works
   2. the doctrine of Arminius and others that God chooses for salvation those who, by grace, persevere in faith and works

Other Words From

• in·ter·e·lec·tion adjective
• non·e·lec·tion noun
• post·e·lec·tion adjective
• re·e·lec·tion noun adjective
• self-e·lec·tion noun
• sub·e·lec·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of election¹

First recorded in 1225–75; from Latin ēlēctiōn- (stem of ēlēctiō ), equivalent to ēlēct(us) ( elect ) + -iōn- noun suffix ( -ion ); replacing Middle English eleccioun, from Anglo-French

Example Sentences

Twice, the attorney for the vaping companies pointed to an impeding change at the FDA with the election of President-elect Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

My husband and I watched the theatrical performance on the Sunday that followed an election that reminded me yet again how much disdain America has for women, especially Black women.

From Salon

The protesters, spurred on by a figurehead pro-Western president and four opposition groups, say the government is illegitimate; the opposition won’t enter parliament because of the “falsified elections”.

From BBC

"A pardon was the plan from the beginning, but President Biden misled the American people because he, then Kamala Harris, were in the middle of an election."

From BBC

Previous Conservative government plans to limit vaping and smoking had not become law by the time of the July general election, so Labour has brought in its own legislation.

From BBC

Related Words

• appointment
• ballot
• balloting
• decision
• poll
• primary
• referendum
• selection