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Definition of "elective" []

  • Of or relating to a selection by vote. (adjective)
  • Filled or obtained by election: elective office. (adjective)
  • Having the power or authority to elect; electoral. (adjective)
  • Permitting or involving a choice; optional: elective surgery. (adjective)
  • An optional academic course or subject. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "elective" in a sentence
  • "DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Wolf, well, the vice president's office tells us that he's going to have what they call elective surgery, to remove an aneurysm in the artery behind his right knee, and that is going to happen next weekend, according to top aide, Steve Schmidt."
  • "Solomon John thought the trouble might be in what they called the elective system, where you were to choose what study you might take."
  • "There are way too many Conservatives in elective office at this time."