minority
noun
mi·nor·i·ty
mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē 
mī-,
-ˈnär-
plural minorities
1
a
: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole
The proposition was opposed by a minority of voters.
: a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total
a one-third minority
… a minority of votes can translate into a majority of seats.—
Carlos Lozada
Carlos Lozada
b
: the smaller quantity or share
Teams in possession of the ball for a majority of the time have been no more likely to win than those in possession for a minority of the time.—Kevin Pullein
Kevin Pullein2
: the group or political party having the smaller number of votes
the Democratic/Republican minority in the Senate
—often used before another nouna U.S. Senate minority leader
3
a
: a part of a population thought of as differing from the rest of the population in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment
the country's ethnic minorities
minority communities
b
: a member of a minority group
"… Speaking as a minority, it's even more satisfying to see women have the chance to follow their dreams. …"—Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweek
Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweeka minority student
a minority-owned business
—often used in pluralDoctors are struggling to comply with new federal guidelines requiring them to include more minorities in clinical trials …—Douglas Stanglin et al.
Douglas Stanglin et al.4
a
: the period before a person reaches the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)
b
: the state of being a legal minor
Examples of minority in a Sentence
The proposal is opposed by a minority of voters.
The Republicans are now the minority in the Senate.
The group is becoming an influential minority in the community.
Recent Examples on the Web
The answer is that immigrants and minorities, particularly working-class ones, are unhappy with the economy and much else.
—Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Safe Spaces are locations not seen as a threat or a challenge to minorities.
—Sophie Clark, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
The committee — which is required to have minority representation — will be made up of teachers, a board member, a principal, a parent and a classified employee.
—Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
Microsoft, then a minority partner in the channel, made web culture part of its programming.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for minority 
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Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Safe Spaces are locations not seen as a threat or a challenge to minorities.
—Sophie Clark, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
The committee — which is required to have minority representation — will be made up of teachers, a board member, a principal, a parent and a classified employee.
—Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024
Microsoft, then a minority partner in the channel, made web culture part of its programming.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for minority
Articles Related to minority
Dictionary Entries Near minority
Cite this Entry
“Minority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minority. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
minority
noun
mi·nor·i·ty
mə-ˈnȯr-ət-ē
mī-,
-ˈnär-
plural minorities
1
: the state or period of being a legal minor
2
: the smaller number
especially
: a group having less than the number of votes necessary for control
3
: a part of a population that differs from other groups in some characteristics and is often given unfair treatment
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