# gerrymandering

/ˌdʒɛɹiˈmændɝɪŋ/ (US) · /dʒˈɛɹɪmˌɑːndəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gerrymandering
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to change the borders of an area to help a specific political party win more seats. This is usually done to make it harder for the other side to win.

For teachers: to manipulate the boundaries of electoral districts to gain an unfair political advantage. Often involves creating oddly shaped districts that dilute the voting power of the opposing party.

## Examples

- The party accused the government of gerrymandering to win the election.
- After the census, the legislature was criticized for gerrymandering several districts to ensure their majority remained intact.
- Legal scholars argue that extreme gerrymandering undermines the principle of one person, one vote by allowing a minority to control the majority of the seats in a state.

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