alternation

noun

al·​ter·​na·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈnā-shən 

also ˌal-

1

a

: the act or process of alternating or causing to alternate

b

: alternating occurrence : succession

2

: inclusive disjunction

3

: the occurrence of different allomorphs or allophones

Examples of alternation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Customized jeans retail for $445 and include all alternations and shipping. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Nov. 2025

The Verdict on Bobby Flay’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe A few key ingredient alternations make Flay’s pumpkin pie stand out from the custard pie competition. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

Elsewhere, a cocktail ring with a sizable stone and a bayadère-style alternation of polished gold and diamonds has a sunshine yellow work by Poliakoff as a backdrop. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

Instead of the traditional alternation of sung-text recitative and arias (songs), verismo operas are more seamless in how songs are interwoven with the story. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alternacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin alternātiōn-, alternātiō, from alternāre "to ebb and flow, act in alternation, arrange in alternating order" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at alternate entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing alternation

• alternation of generations

Rhymes for alternation

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

Kids Definition

alternation

noun

al·​ter·​na·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈnā-shən 

also ˌal-

1

: the act or process of alternating

2

: alternate position or occurrence : succession

3

: regular reversal in direction of flow

an alternation of an electric current