constituency

noun

con·​stit·​u·​en·​cy kən-ˈsti-chə-wən(t)-sē How to pronounce constituency (audio)
-ˈstich-
-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 project …Fred 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
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.
Forrester’s Proulx noted differences in attitudes toward the deal among the various constituencies. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Those candidates who reach that threshold of support would then have to receive the backing of 5% of local constituency parties, or at least three party affiliates — groups such as trade unions and cooperative societies. ABC News, 22 June 2026 Susan Del Percio, a New York GOP strategist, predicted the dueling programs would excite the different constituencies of the two leaders. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 Over time, create a constituency of parents and young adults who prefer individualized market returns over the collective guarantees of the Social Security Trust Fund. Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for constituency

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constituency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

constituency

noun
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
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

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