n. & v.
--n.
1. a formal expression of choice or opinion by means of a ballot, show of hands, etc., concerning a choice of candidate, approval of a motion or resolution, etc. (let us take a vote on it; gave my vote to the independent candidate).
2 (usu. prec. by the) the right to vote, esp. in a State election.
3 a an opinion expressed by a majority of votes. b Brit. money granted by a majority of votes.
4 the collective votes that are or may be given by or for a particular group (will lose the Welsh vote; the Conservative vote increased).
5 a ticket etc. used for recording a vote.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by for, against, or to + infin.) give a vote.
2 tr. a (often foll. by that + clause) enact or resolve by a majority of votes. b grant (a sum of money) by a majority of votes. c cause to be in a specified position by a majority of votes (was voted off the committee).
3 tr. colloq. pronounce or declare by general consent (was voted a failure).
4 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) colloq. announce one's proposal (I vote that we all go home).
Phrases and idioms:
put to a (or the) vote submit to a decision by voting. vote down defeat (a proposal etc.) in a vote. vote in elect by votes. vote of censure vote of no confidence. vote of confidence (or no confidence) a vote showing that the majority support (or do not support) the policy of the governing body etc. vote with one's feet colloq. indicate an opinion by one's presence or absence. voting-machine (esp. in the US) a machine for the automatic registering of votes. voting-paper a paper used in voting by ballot. voting stock stock entitling the holder to a vote.
Derivatives:
votable adj. voteless adj.
Etymology: ME f. past part. stem vot- of L vovere vow