ballot
UK: ˈbælət | US: ˈbælət
n. a system or process of voting, typically in secret
n. a piece of paper or other object used to record a vote
vt. to vote or decide by ballot
ballot = ball<small ball> + ot<diminutive suffix>
- ball (from Old French balle, meaning "small ball")
- ot (a diminutive suffix in French, indicating smallness or insignificance)
Etymology Origin:
The word ballot originates from 16th-century Italian ballotta, meaning "small ball," derived from balla (ball). Historically, voting was conducted by placing small balls (often white for approval, black for disapproval) into a container—hence the term evolved to signify the voting process itself. The French suffix -ot further emphasized the small, discrete nature of the voting medium. Over time, ballot expanded from the physical object to the abstract concept of voting.
The committee decided to ballot on the proposed changes.
Each voter received a paper ballot before entering the booth.
The union will hold a secret ballot to elect new leaders.
She cast her ballot early in the morning.
The results of the ballot will be announced tomorrow.