Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » democracy

democracy

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a democracy is a form of government in which the people rule, either directly or through elected representatives.

(noun)

An example of democracy is the type of government in the United States.

See democracy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. democracies

government in which the people hold the ruling power either directly or through elected representatives; rule by the ruled
a country, state, etc. with such government
majority rule
the principle of equality of rights, opportunity, and treatment, or the practice of this principle
the common people, esp. as the wielders of political power

Origin: Fr démocratie < ML democratia < Gr dēmokratia < dēmos, the people (< IE *damos, a division of the people < base *da-, to cut, divide > tide) + kratein, to rule < kratos, strength: see hard

See democracy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. de·moc·ra·cies

Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
A political or social unit that has such a government.
The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
Majority rule.
The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

Origin:

Origin: French démocratie

Origin: , from Late Latin dēmocratia

Origin: , from Greek dēmokratiā

Origin: : dēmos, people; see dā- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + -kratiā, -cracy

Learn more about democracy

democracy synonyms

democracy Culture

democracy in a sentence

democracy quotes

Related Articles