cancellation

noun

can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce cancellation (audio)
variants or less commonly cancelation
1
: the act or an instance of canceling
The cancellation of the game was due to bad weather.
2
: something (such as a hotel room or a ticket) made available by the canceling of an arrangement
was lucky to get a cancellation for the trip to Chicago
3
: a mark made to cancel something (such as a postage stamp)

Examples of cancellation in a Sentence

The storm caused delays and flight cancellations. Notice of cancellation should be given 30 days in advance. There is a fee for cancellation. Cancellations increased when rates doubled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, headsets aren’t just about noise cancellation. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 However, the most promising of these, a mission named OSIRIS-Apex that breathes new life into an old spacecraft that otherwise would drift into oblivion, is slated for cancellation by the Trump White House's budget for fiscal year 2026. ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025 Her solution was to self-book her hotels through her credit card, which offers cancellation insurance. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 June 2025 Deadly Lake Norman algae blooms prompted the cancellation Thursday of the boating portion of a popular longtime benefit for Charlotte-area youth. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cancellation

Word History

Etymology

see cancel entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cancellation was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cancellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancellation. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cancellation

noun
can·​cel·​la·​tion ˌkan(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce cancellation (audio)
1
: an act of canceling
2
: a mark made to cancel something

Legal Definition

cancellation

noun
can·​cel·​la·​tion
variants also cancelation
1
: the act or an instance of cancelling
2
: a mark made to cancel something (as a check)

More from Merriam-Webster on cancellation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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