decommission

verb

de·​com·​mis·​sion ˌdē-kə-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce decommission (audio)
decommissioned; decommissioning; decommissions

transitive verb

: to remove (something, such as a ship or a nuclear power plant) from service

Examples of decommission in a Sentence

Several military bases are scheduled to be decommissioned. The government is decommissioning the nuclear power plant.
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.
The purchase — a decades-long effort by the district — will ensure that water will continue to flow west past the plant tucked into Glenwood Canyon and downstream to the towns, farms and others who rely on the Colorado River even if the century-old power plant were decommissioned. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 2 July 2025 The nonprofit says Dohn bought decommissioned Metro buses in the fall of 2023 without approval from the state or its sponsor and decorated the buses with the school’s colors and logo. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Since 1993, more than 95 tunnels have been found and decommissioned in the San Diego area, according to the Border Patrol. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 This is possibly its final sea voyage, as the Nimitz is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2026. Danielle Wallace , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for decommission

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decommission was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decommission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decommission. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

decommission

verb
de·​com·​mis·​sion ˌdē-kə-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce decommission (audio)
: to remove (as a ship) from use or service

More from Merriam-Webster on decommission

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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