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

Conductors often fetishize the opening bars of this opera, their squirmy alternation of silence and piquant dissonance. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026

Cinema’s illusion of 3D is made using stereoscopy—two slightly different images often projected in rapid alternation, one for the left eye and one for the right. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2026

Some sections contain long stretches of identical rows, while others show repeating alternations. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2025

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