simple majority
Americannoun
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less than half of the total votes cast but more than the minimum required to win, as when there are more than two candidates or choices.
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less than half the number of voters registered.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Legislation to increase taxes requires a two-thirds approval vote instead of a simple majority.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
Kentucky lawmakers could override the Governor’s veto with a simple majority.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
The referendum, passed by a simple majority, notes that if approved, it will be "binding on the parties that win" the election.
From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026
Warsh needs to secure simple majority votes from the committee and the whole Senate.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026
Everyone knew, however, that Chicago was still 38 votes shy of the simple majority needed to win the fair.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
