dieback

noun

die·​back ˈdī-ˌbak How to pronounce dieback (audio)
: a condition in woody plants in which peripheral parts are killed (as by parasites)

Examples of dieback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Inadequate moisture can lead to desiccation of the leaves, possible dieback, and, in extreme situations, death, Bunting warns. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026 This damages the trunk and leaves an ugly, elongated canker that invites insects and stresses the tree, leading to stunted growth, sparse foliage, and stem dieback. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026 Accumulated salts become toxic, causing yellowing, leaf burn, and dieback. Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025 Rising temperatures are wiping out the planet's warm-water coral reefs, and the dieback may be irreversible, according to the latest Global Tipping Points Report released by researchers worldwide. Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dieback

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dieback was circa 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Dieback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dieback. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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