constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈstich-wən(t)-sē How to pronounce constituency (audio)
-ˈsti-chə-,
-ˈsti-chü-ən(t)-
plural constituencies
1
a
: a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive position)
the governor's liberal constituency
b
: the residents in an electoral district
The senator's constituency includes a large minority population.
c
: an electoral district
2
a
: a group or body that patronizes, supports, or offers representation
creating … a grass-roots constituency for continuing the projectFred Reed
b
: the people involved in or served by an organization (such as a business or institution)
… regards its corporate customers as its prime constituency.Andrew Hacker

Examples of constituency in a Sentence

The senator's constituency includes a large minority population. He was elected to represent a Liverpool constituency.
Recent Examples on the Web Biden's speech Sunday will come as the Democrat tries to make inroads with a key and symbolic constituency — young Black men — and repair the diverse coalition that elected him to the White House. CBS News, 16 May 2024 That sort of partisan tumult has often riled another important constituency for Mr. Conde: NBC’s affiliated regional stations, which the company relies on to carry its major news programs to markets throughout the country. Michael M. Grynbaum, New York Times, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for constituency 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constituency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see constitute

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constituency was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near constituency

Cite this Entry

“Constituency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituency. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

constituency

noun
con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈstich-(ə-)wən-sē How to pronounce constituency (audio)
plural constituencies
1
: a body of citizens having the right to elect a representative to a legislature
2
: the people living in an electoral district
3
: an electoral district

Legal Definition

constituency

noun
con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈsti-chə-wən-sē How to pronounce constituency (audio)
plural constituencies
1
: a body of citizens entitled to elect a representative (as to a legislative or executive office)
2
: the residents in an electoral district
3
: an electoral district

More from Merriam-Webster on constituency

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