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

This resemblance, combined with field observations, lab experiments and computer modelling, suggests that the Damhán Alla features may have formed from briny water eruptions beneath the moon's ice, offering clues about subsurface liquid water and the potential for life on Europa. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Specifically, a volcanic eruption – or cluster of eruptions – around 1345 triggered several years of abnormally cold, wet summers across southern Europe. —New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025

Those eruptions have a profound effect on terrestrial life. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025

Her Fallon appearance felt like an Eras Tour eruption inside Studio 6B, with fans cheering nonstop throughout her lengthy interview. —Bryan West, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

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