Definition of CONSTITUENT (original) (raw)
1
: a member of a constituency
pledged to help her elderly constituents
2
: an essential part : component, element
The organic constituents of plants, animals, and microorganisms …—
Harry S. Mosher et al.
3
: one who authorizes another to act as agent : principal
4
: a structural unit of a definable syntactic, semantic, or phonological category that consists of one or more linguistic elements (such as words, morphemes, or features) and that can occur as a component of a larger construction
1
: serving to form, compose, or make up a unit or whole : component
2
: having the power to create a government or frame or amend a constitution
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for constituent
the basic elements of geometry
component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.
the components of a stereo system
constituent stresses its essential and formative character.
the constituents of a chemical compound
ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.
the ingredients of a cocktail
Examples of constituent in a Sentence
Noun
She's pledged to help her elderly constituents. Many senators have received calls from constituents who want them to vote in favor of the law. the chemical constituents of the liquid Adjective
The company can be separated into several constituent parts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Trump is said to be considering revoking the federal permit that allows the state policy to continue—a move backed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and other suburban politicians who argue the toll unfairly burdens their constituents. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Congressional Democrats' offices are being inundated by phone calls from angry constituents who feel the party should be doing more to combat President Trump and his administration. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
The model can break difficult problems into constituent parts in order to figure out how best to solve them. —Will Knight, WIRED, 31 Jan. 2025 The task of piecing together Johnson's life story was left to Amelia Boivin, the constituent liaison in the Pawtucket mayor's office. —CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constituent 
Word History
Etymology
Noun
French constituant, from Middle French, from present participle of constituer to constitute, from Latin constituere — see constitute
Adjective
Latin constituent-, constituens, present participle of constituere — see constituent entry 1
First Known Use
Noun
1622, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Adjective
1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of constituent was in 1622
Dictionary Entries Near constituent
Cite this Entry
“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituent. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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