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

Sizes range from a 28 to 38 waist, with alternations included. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025

The tweaks, shifts and slight alternations will continue through Thursday, tonight, when the restaurant officially reopens to the public. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025

Contributing buildings are those that have architectural designs that provide the district its historic character, and thus are typically protected from demolition or substantial exterior alternations. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025

The name effectively captures the essence of the practice--a consistent alternation between two types of drinks over time, creating a visual pattern much like a zebra’s alternating, black-and-white stripes. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 23 Feb. 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