prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
ˈprev-lən(t)s
Synonyms of prevalence
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to civil society group Section27, which has assessed the impact of the funding withdrawals in three districts that have high HIV prevalence in South Africa, prevention services were hardly hit. ABC News, 24 June 2026 Tasting fee reductions, which doubled in prevalence year-over-year across the dataset, have produced mixed results. Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 While the insect has long been present in Germany, its increasing prevalence is due to climate change and is linked to biodiversity loss, according to the EPS-Radar website. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 The increasing prevalence of anime viewing on the platform was a panel focal point. Kambole Campbell, Variety, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevalence

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

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