ballot
7 synonyms for ballot, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A paper or card used to cast a vote, or the act of voting itself.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ballot
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
secret ballot
postal ballot
cast a ballot
ballot box
Etymology
From Italian ballotta, "little ball" — small balls were once dropped into a container to register votes in secret.
Full origin of ballot →Frequently asked questions
What does “ballot” mean?
The word “ballot” means a paper or card used to cast a vote, or the act of voting itself. In plain terms, a formal vote, usually by paper or card, or the process of holding one.
How do you pronounce “ballot”?
“Ballot” is pronounced BA-luht (/ˈbælət/ in IPA).
How do you use “ballot” in a sentence?
Here is “ballot” used in a sentence: “Voters marked their choice on the ballot and dropped it in the box.”
What part of speech is “ballot”?
Depending on how it is used, “ballot” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ballot” come from?
The word “ballot” comes from Italian. From Italian ballotta, "little ball" — small balls were once dropped into a container to register votes in secret.
Is “ballot” a common word?
“Ballot” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ballot” have?
“Ballot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a paper or card used to cast a vote, or the act of voting itself.
What is the difference between a ballot and a vote?
A vote is the choice a person expresses, while a ballot is the paper or card used to record that choice, or the round of voting itself. That is why English says you cast a ballot to register your vote.
What is a secret ballot?
A secret ballot is a voting method in which each ballot is completed anonymously, so nobody can link a ballot paper to the person who cast it. It is designed to protect voters from pressure, bribery, or retaliation.
What is the difference between a ballot and a poll?
A ballot is the slip used for voting or the act of voting itself, while a poll is the voting process or place, as in going to the polls, or a survey of opinion. An opinion poll only samples views, whereas a ballot formally records votes.
