minority
noun
mi·nor·i·ty
mə-ˈnȯr-ə-tē
mī-,
-ˈnär-
plural minorities
1
a
: the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole
The proposition was opposed by a minority of voters.
: a number or percentage equaling less than half of a total
a one-third minority
… a minority of votes can translate into a majority of seats.—Carlos Lozada
b
: the smaller quantity or share
Teams in possession of the ball for a majority of the time have been no more likely to win than those in possession for a minority of the time.—Kevin Pullein
2
: the group or political party having the smaller number of votes
the Democratic/Republican minority in the Senate
—often used before another nouna U.S. Senate minority leader
3
a
: a part of a population thought of as differing from the rest of the population in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment
the country's ethnic minorities
minority communities
b
: a member of a minority group
… Speaking as a minority, it's even more satisfying to see women have the chance to follow their dreams …—Isiah Thomas, quoted in Newsweek
a minority student
a minority-owned business
—often pluralDoctors are struggling to comply with new federal guidelines requiring them to include more minorities in clinical trials …—Douglas Stanglin et al.
4
a
: the period before a person reaches the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)
b
: the state of being a legal minor
Cite this Entry
“Minority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minority. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
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