onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset How to pronounce onset (audio)
ˈän-
1
: attack, assault
withstand the onset of the army
2
: beginning, commencement
the onset of winter
the onset of age-related diseases

Examples of onset in a Sentence

the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster
Recent Examples on the Web Idaho has also offered protective equipment since the outbreak’s onset, but no farms have taken up the offer. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 9 May 2024 For example, the disease is the leading cause of the onset of epilepsy in adults. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for onset 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of onset was circa 1522

Dictionary Entries Near onset

Cite this Entry

“Onset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onset. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

onset

noun
on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset How to pronounce onset (audio)
ˈän-

Medical Definition

onset

noun
: the initial existence or symptoms of a disease
the onset of scarlet fever

More from Merriam-Webster on onset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!