propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌprä-pə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: such as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

b

: the spreading of something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions

c

: enlargement or extension (as of a crack) in a solid body

Examples of propagation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Antoine’s advancements in the propagation of pecan trees that produced high-quality pecans of reproducible form, then, resulted in these nuts being cultivated as a cash crop that could be mass produced. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Narrative resonance is measured by story propagation and behavioral change. —Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

For a man of grandeur spouting the imperativeness of German propagation, such a condition would have been a bad and hypocritical look. —Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026

Even indoors, Kemery says late spring through summer is generally best for propagation, as light is steadier, temperatures are more consistent, and plants generally recover more easily from change. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for propagation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or process of propagating: as

a

: multiplication (as of a kind of living thing) in number of individuals

b

: the spreading of something (as a belief) abroad or into new regions

Medical Definition

propagation

noun

prop·​a·​ga·​tion ˌpräp-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: the act or action of propagating: as

a

: increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers

propagation of a pure culture of bacteria

b

: the spreading or transmission of something

propagation of a nerve impulse