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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

ballot

/ˈbælət/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:03
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What does ballot mean?

noun

  1. A small ball placed in a container to cast a vote; now, by extension, a piece of paper or card used for this purpose, or some other means used to signify a vote.
  2. The process of voting, especially in secret; a round of voting.
  3. The total of all the votes cast in an election.
More meanings (4)

noun

  1. A list of candidates running for office; a ticket.

verb

  1. To vote or decide by ballot.
  2. To draw lots.
  3. To invite to vote on a proposal.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈbælət/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

‘It is proposed that the Association should be managed by an unpaid Council, to be selected by ballot from among its members.
Robert Louis StevensonMemoir of Fleeming JenkinProject Gutenberg ebook #698
On each vote the ballot box was brought to the bed side and his feeble hand deposited the powerful bit of paper.
Edward Sylvester EllisThomas Jefferson, a Character SketchProject Gutenberg ebook #712
More book examples (3)
But the principle of the institution of ballot is to teach men to perform their best actions under the cloke of concealment.
William GodwinThoughts on Man, His Nature, Productions and Discoveries Interspersed with Some Particulars Respecting the AuthorProject Gutenberg ebook #743
Under the despotic protection of the State, he admits in principle the inequality of ranks and wages, adding thereto, as compensation, the ballot.
P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph) ProudhonSystem of Economical Contradictions; Or, The Philosophy of MiseryProject Gutenberg ebook #444
So far as the latter is true, it is the only palliation that can be offered for opposing the freedom of the ballot.
United States. PresidentsUnited States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. BushProject Gutenberg ebook #925