derivation

noun

der·​i·​va·​tion ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio)
ˌde-rə-
1
linguistics
a(1)
: the formation of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix)
"Strategize" was formed by derivation from "strategy."
(2)
: an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word
(3)
: etymology sense 1
research into the derivation of "Yankee"
b
: the relation of a word to its base or root (see root entry 1 sense 6)
2
a
: source, origin
foods of French derivation
b
: descent, origination
derivation from royal ancestors
3
: something that originates from something else : something derived : derivative
more like an exact copy than a derivation
4
: an act or process of deriving
debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs
5
logic : a sequence of statements showing that a result is a necessary consequence of previously accepted statements
derivational adjective
… subjects' ability to auditorily recognize the correct form of derivational relationships where consonant and vowel alternation occurs. Robert A. Barganz
derivationally adverb
derivationally related words

Examples of derivation in a Sentence

He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.” “Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.” Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
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.
And since the derivation of it was ‘100 men versus a gorilla’ ... Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 Prior advancements all came with some sort of asterisk, though; for example, the derivations involved only worked on short timescales, in a vacuum or under other simplifying conditions. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025 A lot of his derivations in Principia were purely geometrical. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2025 Look for people dressed as Jab Jab, the Grenadian devil-like figure (its name is a derivation of diable or devil in French). Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for derivation

Word History

Etymology

see derive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of derivation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivation. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

derivation

noun
der·​i·​va·​tion ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio)
1
a
: the formation (as by the addition of a prefix or suffix) of a word from another word or root
b
: an act of finding out or stating how a word was formed
c
2
a
: a point of origin : source
b
: development from a source : descent
c
: an act or process of deriving
derivational
-shnəl How to pronounce derivation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

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