de·moc·ra·cy 
/dɪˈmɑ:krəsi/ noun
plural de·moc·ra·cies /dɪˈmɑ:krəsi/ noun 1 a [noncount] : a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting
▪ The nation has chosen democracy over monarchy. ▪ the principles of democracy
b [count] : a country ruled by democracy
▪ In a democracy, every citizen should have the right to vote. ▪ Western democracies 2 : an organization or situation in which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights [count] ▪ The company is not a democracy; decisions are made by a board of directors, not the workers. [noncount] ▪ There is democracy within the company. — see also social democracy
▪ The nation has chosen democracy over monarchy. ▪ the principles of democracy
b [count] : a country ruled by democracy
▪ In a democracy, every citizen should have the right to vote. ▪ Western democracies
