I. ˈjer-ē-ˌman-dər, also ˈger-; orig ˈger- noun
Etymology: Elbridge Gerry + sala mander; from the shape of an election district formed during Gerry's governorship of Mass.
Date: 1812
1. : the act or method of gerrymandering
2. : a district or pattern of districts varying greatly in size or population as a result of gerrymandering
II. transitive verb
( -dered ; ger·ry·man·der·ing -d(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 1812
1. : to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2. : to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group
gerrymander a school district