What does vote mean?
Vote is a central word in democratic and institutional decision-making. As a noun, it can denote an individual expression of choice, the total number of votes cast, a formal result, or the right to vote in an election. As a verb, it describes expressing a choice in an election, referendum, meeting, legislative chamber, or another authorized process. Typical patterns include voting for a candidate, voting against a proposal, and casting a vote, while a vote of confidence is a formal judgment of support or approval. In everyday use, the word may imply citizenship and electoral participation, but it also extends to decisions made by committees, boards, councils, and other groups. Its clear connection to choice and public decision-making makes it useful whenever accuracy, authorization, or the will of a group is being described. Although the pronunciation is straightforward, the word carries strong civic and political associations.
A formal expression of choice in an election, referendum, meeting, or other decision-making process; also the right to make such a choice or the result of the decision.
"The candidate won the vote despite receiving fewer votes in some districts."
Depending on context, a vote may refer to an individual ballot, a collective result, or the political right to vote.
To express a formal choice in an election, referendum, meeting, or other decision-making process; also, to grant or approve something by such a decision.
"Parliament voted overwhelmingly to approve the new law."
Vote commonly appears with for or against, and it can describe the decision of a body as well as the action of individual members or citizens.
The plural can refer to individual ballots, the total number of choices cast, or the results of a formal decision.
"The votes were counted after all polling stations had closed."
Vote began life as a solemn vow: its original sense of a public promise still echoes in words like vow and devote.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vote come from?
Vote comes from Latin votum, meaning a vow, wish, or solemn declaration, and entered English through Old French vote. Its original sense concerned making a formal pledge; the meaning relating to choosing a candidate or policy developed later, in the early modern period. The shared religious and dedicatory ancestry is visible in vow, votive, votary, and devote.
Related word forms
How vote is actually used
The noun can refer to one person's ballot, the total number of ballots cast, the result of a decision, or the political right to vote. As a verb, vote is commonly followed by for or against; in institutional contexts, it can also mean to approve or reject a proposal through a formal division. The word is neutral in most contexts, though voting on a person or issue may carry political or personal connotations.
Easily confused with vote
A vote is an expression of choice, whereas a veto is the power to reject or block a decision.