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

Examples of dispersal in a Sentence

the dispersal of plant seeds in the forests through natural means
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispersal was in 1821

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispersal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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