proportional representation

noun

: an electoral system in which the number of seats held by a political group or party in a legislative body is determined by the number of popular votes received

Examples of proportional representation in a Sentence

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.
But with proportional representation, there would be room for new parties to grow and new coalitions to form. — Mary Ellen Klas, Mercury News, 26 May 2026 The commission will ask the political parties to provide the names of members to fill the seats won through the proportional representation system. — Binaj Gurubacharya, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Perhaps the most powerful antigerontocratic reform is to get rid of winner-take-all elections and adopt a system like proportional representation. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Any other outcome would depart from the principle of proportional representation. — Bruce Sibley, Time, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proportional representation

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proportional representation was in 1870

Rhymes for proportional representation

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Browse Nearby Words

proportional rate
proportional representation
proportional tax
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Cite this Entry

“Proportional representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportional%20representation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proportional representation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proportional representation

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