gerrymander: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political
Quick answer
What does “gerrymander” mean?
to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favour one party or class.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favour one party or class.
to manipulate or arrange something, especially a system, in a way that is unfair or gives an advantage to a particular group; the act or result of such manipulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from American political history (Elbridge Gerry + salamander). It is used in both varieties, but the political systems and legal contexts of its application differ. In the UK, 'boundary review' is a related neutral term, while 'gerrymander' carries the same critical connotation.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative; implies underhanded, self-serving political manipulation. In both varieties, it is a serious accusation in political discourse.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to the structure of the US Congress and frequent redistricting cycles, but well-established and understood in British English within political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “gerrymander” in a Sentence
[Subject: Party/Government] + gerrymander + [Object: District/Boundaries] (transitive)[Subject: Process/Act] + constitutes + a gerrymander (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gerrymander” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government was accused of attempting to gerrymander the constituency map before the next election.
- It's a blatant attempt to gerrymander the results by packing opposition voters into a single seat.
American English
- The state legislature gerrymandered the district to ensure their party's incumbent would be safe.
- They were sued for gerrymandering on the basis of race.
adverb
British English
- The boundaries were drawn gerrymanderingly to exclude the urban vote.
adjective
British English
- The gerrymandered constituency had a bizarre, elongated shape.
- They challenged the gerrymandered boundaries in court.
American English
- The gerrymandered map was thrown out by the federal judge.
- He represents a heavily gerrymandered district.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; could metaphorically describe manipulating sales territories or performance metrics unfairly.
Academic
Common in Political Science, Law, and Sociology papers analysing electoral systems, representation, and democratic integrity.
Everyday
Understood in political news and discussions, but not common in casual conversation outside this topic.
Technical
A precise term in electoral geography and constitutional law, with specific legal tests (e.g., 'partisan gerrymander vs. racial gerrymander').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gerrymander”
- Using it as an intransitive verb (e.g., 'They gerrymandered' is incomplete; needs an object).
- Confusing it with general corruption or vote-rigging (it specifically concerns district boundaries).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a complex legal area. Manipulating boundaries for purely partisan gain may be legal in some jurisdictions but illegal if it discriminates on the basis of race or violates specific state constitutions or recent Supreme Court guidelines.
It is a portmanteau of the surname of Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Massachusetts (1812), and 'salamander', referring to the strange, lizard-like shape of a redrawn district favouring his party.
While the term itself is pejorative, the process of redistricting is necessary. Positive or neutral terms would be 'redistricting' or 'boundary review'. Gerrymandering specifically denotes the abusive, unfair aspect.
Through mathematical tests (like the efficiency gap), analysis of district shape compactness, and comparing election results with geographic voter distribution to identify unnatural partisan bias.
to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favour one party or class.
Gerrymander is usually formal, political in register.
Gerrymander: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒer.iˌmæn.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒer.iˌmæn.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'GERM' that 'MANDATES' a strange shape. The germ of a bad idea mandated a salamander-shaped district.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS WAR / A GAME: Gerrymandering is a strategic manoeuvre to capture territory (districts) and secure power.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of gerrymandering?