majority

Definitions

1. noun

   More than half of a group.

   Examples

   • The majority agreed that the new plan was best.
   • Most of the voters were in the majority, so the plan was dropped.
   ≠minority
2. noun

   The number of seats or votes by which a winner is ahead.

   Examples

   • The ruling party had a narrow majority in the parliament.
   • The winner had a majority of six percent.
3. noun

   The age at which you are legally an adult.

   Examples

   • She reached her majority at eighteen.
   • The money is hers once she reaches majority.
4. noun

   In old-fashioned use, the rank of major in the army.

   Examples

   • He was glad to reach his majority in the army.
   • After the battle, he was given his majority.
5. noun

   In old-fashioned use, the larger number of one's ancestors.

   Examples

   • Most of the family's ancestors had been farmers.
   • The majority of his ancestors lived in the same village.