dispersal

noun

dis·​pers·​al di-ˈspər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
especially : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

Example Sentences

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
Recent Examples on the Web Alongside fishing, property values and other familiar aspects, this measured the region's soil building, pollination and seed dispersal, water storage, and other 'services' performed by nature, unpaid and rarely if ever accounted for. Eben Bayer, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2023 It can be seen as reflecting the actual dispersal of excellence in music, instead of falling into the fannish idea that every prom must have its king and queen. Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Feb. 2023 The point is emphasized at the Met by the dispersal of individual pieces in two cavernous rooms. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2022 In a statement, the Army defended the June deadline for its Guard and Reserve units, saying the date reflects how large those organizations are relative to other services and military reserve components, as well as the constraints imposed by the geographic dispersal of its members. Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2021 President Joe Biden staked his bid on an effective battle against the coronavirus that would center around mitigation measures and assisting states with the swift dispersal of vaccines. Angelica Lavito, Bloomberg.com, 1 Apr. 2021 This dispersal aids the shooter in hitting small game animals, especially those in flight, such as ducks. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 15 Apr. 2023 Immediately after dispersals started, states began flagging fraudulent transactions. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2023 For example, some of the volatile compounds attract insects that clearly help with the dispersal of their spores. Federico Kukso, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispersal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near dispersal

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing

Medical Definition

dispersal

noun
dis·​pers·​al dis-ˈpər-səl How to pronounce dispersal (audio)
: the act or result of dispersing
specifically : the process or result of the spreading of organisms from one place to another

More from Merriam-Webster on dispersal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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