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noun \ˈvōt\

Simple Definition of vote

  • : the official choice that you make in an election, meeting, etc., by casting a ballot, raising your hand, speaking your choice aloud, etc.

  • : the result of voting

  • the vote : the legal right to vote

Full Definition of vote

  1. 1 a :  a usually formal expression of opinion or will in response to a proposed decision; especially :  one given as an indication of approval or disapproval of a proposal, motion, or candidate for office b :  the total number of such expressions of opinion made known at a single time (as at an election) c :  an expression of opinion or preference that resembles a vote d :  ballot 1

  2. 2 :  the collective opinion or verdict of a body of persons expressed by voting

  3. 3 :  the right to cast a vote; specifically :  the right of suffrage :  franchise

  4. 4 a :  the act or process of voting <brought the question to a vote> b :  a method of voting

  5. 5 :  a formal expression of a wish, will, or choice voted by a meeting

  6. 6 a :  voter b :  a group of voters with some common and identifying characteristics <the labor vote>

  7. 7 chiefly British a :  a proposition to be voted on; especially :  a legislative money item b :  appropriation

Examples of vote

  1. They are counting the votes now.

  2. There are 20 votes in favor and 12 against.

  3. He got 56 percent of the votes.

  4. She's campaigning hard to raise money and win votes.

  5. People waited in line to cast their votes.

  6. I cast my vote for the Republican candidate.

  7. The vote was in her favor.

  8. She won by a vote of 206 to 57.

  9. In 1920, American women won the vote.

  10. The candidate won only 10 percent of the vote.

Origin of vote

Middle English (Scots), from Latin votum vow, wish — more at vow

First Known Use: 15th century




Definition of vote


  1. intransitive verb
  2. 1 :  to express one's views in response to a poll; especially :  to exercise a political franchise

  3. 2 :  to express an opinion <consumers…vote with their dollars — Lucia Mouat>

  4. transitive verb
  5. 1 :  to choose, endorse, decide the disposition of, defeat, or authorize by vote <he was voted out of office>

  6. 2 a :  to adjudge by general agreement :  declare b :  to offer as a suggestion :  propose <I vote we all go home>

  7. 3 a :  to cause to vote in a given way b :  to cause to be cast for or against a proposal

  8. 4 :  to vote in accordance with or in the interest of <vote your conscience> <voted their pocketbooks>

vote with one's feet
  1. :  to express one's disapproval or dissatisfaction by leaving

Examples of vote

  1. Citizens will vote today for their new governor.

  2. Did you vote in the last election?

  3. The committee hasn't yet voted on the matter.

  4. Congress voted 121 to 16 to pass the bill.

  5. He voted against the proposal.

  6. They voted the referendum into law.

  7. Senators voted themselves a pay raise despite the budget shortfall.

  8. We have to decide what to do about dinner. I vote that we get a pizza.


First Known Use of vote


VOTE Defined for Kids



noun \ˈvōt\

Definition of vote

  1. 1 :  a formal expression of opinion or choice (as by ballot in an election)

  2. 2 :  the decision reached by voting <The vote is in favor of the amendment.>

  3. 3 :  the right to vote <In 1920, American women won the vote.>

  4. 4 :  the act or process of voting <The question came to a vote.>

  5. 5 :  a group of voters with some common interest or quality <the farm vote>




Definition of vote


  1. 1 :  to express a wish or choice by a vote <We voted by raising our hands.>

  2. 2 :  to elect, decide, pass, defeat, grant, or make legal by a vote <The group voted down the proposal.>

  3. 3 :  to declare by general agreement <She was voted student of the month.>

  4. 4 :  to offer as a suggestion <I vote we go home.>

Seen and Heard

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February 11, 2016

the holder of an office

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