proportional representation

noun

: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular votes received

Examples of proportional representation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The letter made several recommendations to improve gender parity in the election, including ranking women higher on lists of non-constituency candidates selected by proportional representation, which gives them a better chance of winning seats. —

Reuters, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Suburban referenda Glencoe home-rule status: Vote yes Oak Park proportional representation for the election of village trustees: Vote yes. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024 However, two states — Maine and Nebraska — have a proportional representation electoral college. —

Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 The bottom line: Voters in Georgia would need to elect 24 more moms to hit proportional representation with the U.S. adult population, per the report. —

Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proportional representation

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of proportional representation was in 1870

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near proportional representation

proportional rate

proportional representation

proportional tax

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Proportional representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional%20representation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation