First Known Use: 1812
Dictionary
1gerrymander
noun ger·ry·man·der \ˈjer-ē-ˌman-dər, also ˈger-; orig ˈger-\
Definition of GERRYMANDER
1
: the act or method of gerrymandering
2
: a district or pattern of districts varying greatly in size or population as a result of gerrymandering
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Origin of GERRYMANDER
Elbridge Gerry + salamander; from the shape of an election district formed during Gerry's governorship of Massachusetts
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with GERRYMANDER
2gerrymander
verb
: to divide (a state, school district, etc.) into political units that give one group an unfair advantage
gerrymanderedgerrymander·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of GERRYMANDER
transitive verb
1
: to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2
: to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group <gerrymander a school district>
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First Known Use of GERRYMANDER
1812
Other Government and Politics Terms
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