dispersal
noun
dis·pers·al
di-ˈspər-səl 
: the act or result of dispersing
especially
: the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another
Examples of dispersal in a Sentence
the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
Recent Examples on the Web
Police can order a protest to disperse if there is a clear danger of riot, disorder, or threat to public safety, but must give clear dispersal orders.
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Police may shut down a protest through a dispersal order, according to the ACLU, but it must be used as a last resort in situations where there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder or interference with traffic, as well as any other immediate threats to public safety.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Archaeologists thus got a snapshot of these early humans during a pivotal moment in history when the climate permitted their dispersal through a warming Gobi Desert.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The Committee to Protect Journalists advises reporters covering protests to comply with dispersal orders from law enforcement and to ensure press credentials are visible to police.
—Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispersal
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Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Police may shut down a protest through a dispersal order, according to the ACLU, but it must be used as a last resort in situations where there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder or interference with traffic, as well as any other immediate threats to public safety.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Archaeologists thus got a snapshot of these early humans during a pivotal moment in history when the climate permitted their dispersal through a warming Gobi Desert.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The Committee to Protect Journalists advises reporters covering protests to comply with dispersal orders from law enforcement and to ensure press credentials are visible to police.
—Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispersal
Cite this Entry
“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispersal
noun
dis·pers·al
dis-ˈpər-səl
: the act or result of dispersing
Medical Definition
dispersal
noun
dis·pers·al
dis-ˈpər-səl
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically
: the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another
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