vote
voht
Vote (noun) means a formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot. Example: “My vote counted the same as everyone else's in the club election.”
noun
1
A formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot.
"My vote counted the same as everyone else's in the club election."
"Every citizen over eighteen has the right to a vote."
"The final vote came down to a narrow margin."
verb
1
To formally express a choice, typically in an election or on a proposal.
"Members can vote online or by posting their forms to the office."
"She voted for the first time in the local elections."
"The committee will vote on the new budget tomorrow."
How to use vote
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make a formal choice, usually by ballot — or the choice itself.
Common pairings
cast a vote
vote for/against
popular vote
vote of confidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- votes
- Third person singular
- votes
- Past tense
- voted
- Archaic forms
- votest, votedst, voteth
Fill the gap
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My _____ counted the same as everyone else's in the club election.
Etymology
From Latin votum, "a vow" — from voveo, "to vow." It's a doublet of the word vow.
Related words
Rhymes for vote
See all rhymes for vote →Frequently asked questions
What does “vote” mean?
The word “vote” means a formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot. In plain terms, to make a formal choice, usually by ballot — or the choice itself.
How do you pronounce “vote”?
“Vote” is pronounced voht (/voʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “vote” in a sentence?
Here is “vote” used in a sentence: “Every citizen over eighteen has the right to a vote.”
What part of speech is “vote”?
Depending on how it is used, “vote” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vote” come from?
The word “vote” comes from Latin. From Latin votum, "a vow" — from voveo, "to vow." It's a doublet of the word vow.
Is “vote” a common word?
“Vote” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “vote” have?
“Vote” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal choice made as part of an election or decision, usually by ballot.
What is the difference between a vote and a ballot?
A vote is the choice itself — the preference you express for a candidate or option. A ballot is the physical or digital means of casting it, such as the paper slip or voting card. In short, you record your vote on a ballot: the ballot is the vehicle, the vote is the decision.
What are the different types of vote?
Votes take many forms. A popular vote counts every individual choice, while a secret ballot keeps each one private. There are also votes of confidence, block votes, proxy votes cast on someone's behalf, and casting votes used to break a tie. The method chosen varies with the setting and the stakes.
Why is voting important?
Voting is how members of a group turn individual preferences into a collective decision. In democracies it gives citizens a peaceful, formal say in who governs and how, holding leaders to account. Even in a small committee, a vote settles disagreement fairly by giving everyone an equal voice in the outcome.
What happens if a vote is a tie?
When opposing sides receive an equal number of votes, the result is a tie or deadlock. Many bodies resolve this with a pre-agreed rule — a chairperson's casting vote, a coin toss, or a fresh round of voting — so that a clear decision can still be reached.
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