Definition of "majority" in English

noun

1. More than half (50%) of some group.

   • The majority agreed that the new proposal was the best.
   • Those opposing the building plans were in the majority, so the building project was canceled.

2. In a parliament or legislature, the difference in seats between the ruling party and the opposition; (UK) in an election, the difference in votes between the winning candidate and the second-place candidate, or between the winning candidate and all of the other candidates combined.

   • The ruling party had a narrow three-seat majority in the legislature.
   • The winner with 53% had a 6% majority over the loser with 47%.

3. (dated) Legal adulthood, age of majority.

   • By the time I reached my majority, I had already been around the world twice.

4. (UK) The office held by a member of the armed forces in the rank of major.

   • On receiving the news of his promotion, Charles Snodgrass said he was delighted to be entering his majority.

5. Ancestors; ancestry.