critical mass

noun

: a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result
the critical mass of activity needed for a retail store

Examples of critical mass in a Sentence

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.
Data quality needs a lot of improvement before AI adoption reaches critical mass. Mohan Subrahmanya, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 However, recent studies have hinted some Type Ia supernovae may be better explained by a double explosion that is triggered before the star reaches this critical mass. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025 But if some additional material is added, the white dwarf can reach a critical mass and reignite a runaway fusion reaction, blowing the star apart. ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025 But Congress could complicate things for Trump, especially if a critical mass of Republican legislators began to oppose U.S. military action. Reid Smith, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for critical mass

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of critical mass was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Critical mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20mass. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on critical mass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!