suffrage

American  

[suhf-rij] / ˈsʌf rɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, especially in a political election.

2. a vote given in favor of a proposed measure, candidate, or the like.

3. Ecclesiastical. a prayer, especially a short intercessory prayer or petition.

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suffrage British  

/ ˈsʌfrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, esp in public elections; franchise

2. the exercise of such a right; casting a vote

3. a supporting vote

4. a prayer, esp a short intercessory prayer

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suffrage Cultural  

1. The right to vote (see franchise). In the United States, the term is often associated with the women's movement to win voting rights. (See suffragist.)

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Other Word Forms

• antisuffrage adjective
• nonsuffrage noun
• presuffrage noun
• prosuffrage adjective

Etymology

Origin of suffrage

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin suffrāgium “voting tablet, a vote cast in an assembly (for a law or candidate), an act of voting or the exercise of the right to vote, the decision reached by a vote, an expression of approval, influence or promotion on behalf of a candidate,” equivalent to Latin suffrāg(ārī) “to express public support, vote or canvass for, support” + -ium noun suffix; -ium

Example Sentences

In a democratic republic the people choose those representatives through elections with broad suffrage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Before he started his four-year term, Tik vowed to get fellow lawmakers to debate the hot-button issue of universal suffrage to elect Hong Kong's leader.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

Every generation scuffles for something: suffrage, equality, autonomy, decent health, fair pay, even the right to keep on fighting.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025

The Pentagon later clarified that Hegseth doesn’t oppose women’s suffrage.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2025

While the women shared an interest in abolition, Anthony did not have much interest in women’s rights or suffrage.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling