eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

a

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

b

: the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane

2

: a product of erupting (such as a skin rash)

Synonyms of eruption

• explosion
• outburst
• burst

Examples of eruption in a Sentence

a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won

the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history

Recent Examples on the Web

But scientists still can’t fully predict how big an eruption will be, which can affect planning to help deal with the potential consequences on Earth. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2026

While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption. —Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026

Suddenly, oil blew out of its well in a massive eruption that towered 200 feet in the air and sprayed the fearful villagers of La Rosa. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

On top of that, cosmic rays and the Sun's own eruptions can upset electronics. —Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing eruption

• creeping eruption
• post-eruption

Rhymes for eruption

• corruption
• disruption
• irruption
• incorruption
• interruption

Kids Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

2

: a product (as a skin rash) of erupting

Medical Definition

eruption

noun

erup·​tion i-ˈrəp-shən 

1

: an act, process, or instance of erupting

the eruption of the tooth from the gum

specifically : the breaking out of an exanthem or enanthem on the skin or mucous membrane (as in measles)

2

: something produced by an act or process of erupting: as

a

: the condition of the skin or mucous membrane caused by erupting

b

: one of the lesions (as a pustule) constituting this condition